Right after announcing that Windows 8.1 had reached RTM status, Microsoft also revealed that Windows Server 2012 R2 has gone gold, and is released to manufacturing.
And as previously confirmed, this anticipated new refresh of the company’s server platform will see daylight on October 18. The server operating system will go on sale worldwide on this date, along with Windows 8.1.
Microsoft shared the news in a blog post earlier today, while also confirming that MSDN and TechNet subscribers will have to wait until launch date to get their hands on Windows Server 2012 R2 — just like everyone else.
Redmond, in the past, allowed subscribers and members of services for IT professionals an early access to its software. But while the company did not offer an explanation for this policy change in the Windows 8.1 RTM announcement, it clarified this here:
“Because this release was built and delivered at a much faster pace than past products, and because we want to ensure that you get the very highest quality product, we made the decision to complete the final validation phases prior to distributing the release. It is enormously important to all of us here that you have the best possible experience using R2 to build your private and hybrid cloud infrastructure.”
So while this may come as a bit disappointing for those of you that wanted to take the RTM build of Windows Server 2012 R2 for a test drive, this is how Microsoft plans to roll from now on.
Anyway, the company also announced that the next version of Windows Intune will also be out on October 18, while it is also on track to release System Center 2012 R2 at the same time.
Mark your calendar for October 18, folks — this day cannot get any bigger!
