Windows Server 2003 R2 Now Shipping

Microsoft on Wednesday began shipping Windows Server 2003 R2, which was released to manufacturing in early December. The release serves as an interim update to Microsoft's flagship server OS between Windows Server 2003 SP1 and Longhorn Server, due in 2007.

R2 has already begin shipping on servers from HP, Dell and IBM, and Microsoft will be replacing current Windows Server 2003 editions in retail sales channels with the new release. In addition, Microsoft rolled out its "Midsize Business Promotion," which bundles R2, Exchange Server 2003 and MOM Workgroup Edition for a 20 percent discount.