Microsoft Releases SP1 for Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7

On February 22nd, Microsoft released Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 service pack 1 (SP1).

The Windows 7 SP1 includes some minor updates including some already pushed out through Windows Update. The service pack for Windows 7 also includes client-side support for RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory for Windows 7 VMs.

SP1 does deliver some new features to Windows Server 2008 R2. The first is Dynamic Memory, which allows Windows Server Hyper-V administrators to increase virtual machine density without sacrificing performance, scalability, or security. The Windows Server Division's blog post said that testing showed a 40 percent increase in HyperV virtual machine (VM's) density from Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM to SP1 achieved by simply enabling Dynamic Memory.

The second new feature is RemoteFX. This allows for the virtualization of the Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) on the server side to deliver next-generation rich media and 3D user experiences for VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructures - not supported on SPLA today). With RemoteFX comes the possibility for new, low-cost, ultra-thin client devices to enter the market. These technologies combined can potentially drive down end-point cost and power consumption.

Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 SP1 will Released to Manufacturing (RTM) on the 22nd of February. On February 16, SP1 was available to current customers of the Windows Volume Licensing program, as well as subscribers to Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) and TechNet. On February 22, it was be available to all customers through Windows Update and will also come preinstalled on new servers ordered through OEM.

Enjoy!

HTSblog team