Windows Server 2003 R2 RC0 Ships

Microsoft has shipped the first release candidate of its interim update to Windows Server 2003, known as R2. Rooted in Windows Server 2003 SP1, R2 delivers many enhancements and several new components, while leaving the core of the operating system unchanged to facilitate faster development.

Beta 2 of R2 was released in April, prompting fears that Microsoft would delay a final launch. Barring any delays, however, R2 is still expected to be ship before the end the year. Downloads of RC0 are available for both x86 and x64 versions of the operating system.