Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter Edition is optimized for your large-scale virtualization of workloads that require the highest levels of scalability, reliability, and availability to support large, mission-critical applications.

With unlimited virtualization use rights and a hypervisor-based virtualization technology, Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter provides both flexibility and cost savings. Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter also supports the memory and processing needs of large-scale, business-critical workloads such as ERP, databases, server consolidations, and custom and line-of-business applications.

Benefits

Large-Scale Virtualization

Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter includes Hyper-V, a flexible high-performance hypervisor-based virtualization technology. Server virtualization can help you:

– Logically consolidate servers and streamline management
– Reduce the cost associated with power, cooling, and data center space
– Increase the availability of your systems
– Optimize system utilization and realize significant infrastructure and management cost savings

In addition, Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter includes unlimited virtualization rights. These rights enable you to run an unlimited number of Hyper-V virtual machines on physical servers licensed with Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter.

Increased Scalability

As organizations rapidly grow and change, IT infrastructures must remain flexible and scalable to help support, manage, and secure expanded functionality, an influx of additional users and work locations, and increasingly critical applications.

Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter easily scales to adapt to the increased needs of data warehousing and transaction processing. Datacenter also provides:

– Support for up to 64 x64 physical processors (up to 256 logical processors) and 2 terabytes of RAM
– Support for a virtually unlimited number of virtual private network (VPN) connections
– Authentication and authorization for a virtually unlimited number of network access service and network policy server connections

High Availability

Succeeding in the global marketplace requires that remote employees as well as international customers and partners have around-the-clock access to information. A disruption in services can result in diminished productivity and lost opportunities. Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter offers features that enhance the availability of your applications and services, including failover clustering and support for Dynamic Hardware Partitioning.

Failover Clustering

Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter provides robust, rapid failover clustering that is easy to manage and automatically takes action in the event of a failed server, maintaining service so that users experience minimal disruption. Failover clustering in Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter supports up to 16 nodes. Combined with third-party replication products, multi-site clustering is also possible.

Dynamic Hardware Partitioning

Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter further enhances server availability with Dynamic Hardware Partitioning. On supporting hardware, Windows Server can run on one or more isolated hardware partitions within a server. The ability to “hot add” or replace processors and memory helps increase the reliability and serviceability of systems. For example, you can replace a processor that shows signs of failing or add spare processors to a partition as demand increases.