In conjunction with the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show, (CES), Microsoft today released the public beta of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Windows Server 2008 R2 is an update release and the next version of the Windows Server operating system. The major technology investment areas for WS08 R2 are virtualization, web and management; the release incorporates a host of new features and capabilities that directly address these areas. When combined with Windows 7, customers will be able to take advantage of a new level of integration between server and client operating systems.

Some of the highlights include:

·         Direct Access

·         Live Migration for virtual machines

·         BranchCache

·         PowerShell 2.0

For more information, please visit the Windows Server Team Blog or the Microsoft at CES Virtual Pressroom.