The release candidate of next version of Windows server operating system – Windows Server 2008 R2 RC has been released by Microsoft. Another variant of Windows Server 2008 R2 is Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2. Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 is a stand-alone product that provides a reliable and optimized virtualization solution enabling organizations to improve server utilization, provision new servers and reduce costs.

Windows Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 includes new features such as live migration and expanded processor and memory support for host systems. The virtualization technology allows organizations to consolidate workloads onto a single physical server and is a good solution for organizations who are consolidating servers as well as for development and test environments. The Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 also has added advantage where IT Professionals can continue to leverage their individual skills and the collective knowledge of Microsoft tools, minimizing the learning curve to manage Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2.

Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 RC (Release Candidate) can be downloaded for free evaluation from Microsoft Download Center.

Direct Download Links for Microsoft Hyper-V 2008 R2 RC: GRC1HVxFRE1_DVD.iso

Also available is Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 RC Configuration Tool Guide V1.3.docx and Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 RC Overview v1.3.docx documents.

Update: Download Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 RTM ISO