Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
SP1 will introduce Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX, two new features designed to kick up a notch the virtualization stack for Windows 7. Dynamic Memory will enable Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 to better administer physical memory usage for virtualization resources, while RemoteFX is set up to bring the remote user experience for virtual desktops, session-based desktops and remote applications on par with that of actual desktops.
According to the leaked documentation, additional improvements will be offered for DirectAccess, branch offices and authentication traffic on domain controllers. More specifically, as far as DirectAccess is concerned, SP1 will boost scalability and high availability. At the same time, the service pack is slated to bring to the table support for Managed Service Accounts (MSAs) in secure branch office scenarios, as well as support for increased volume of authentication traffic on domain controllers connected to high-latency networks. None of these additions to Windows Server 2008 R2 have been confirmed, with the exception of
Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX.
Windows 7 SP1
From the leaked documentation, it is clear that Windows Server 2008 R2 will benefit more consistently from the delivery of SP1 than the latest iteration of the Windows client. Improvements coming to Windows 7 impact communication with third-party identity federation services, the performance of HDMI audio devices, and printing mixed-orientation XPS documents. Unlike with Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Microsoft has not offered any details related to Windows 7 SP1, so all the information in the leaked documents needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
This is precisely why I’m insisting on offering just a general perspective, rather than publishing all the details available. Windows 7 SP1 is after all still under development, and any of the changes in the leaked documents could not make it in the final version of the service pack, unless they’re officially announced by the Redmond company. In this context, there are also modifications that will impact both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Microsoft apparently worked to boost the power consumption and energy efficiency of the platforms, but also to modify the behavior of the “Restore previous folders at logon” functionality, and to improve support for additional identities in RRAS and IPsec.
The fact of the matter is that there are
little visible changes in Windows 7 SP1 Build 6.1.7601.16537 v.153 (screenshots below, look for yourselves).
