The company is aligning Windows Server 2008 R2, which briefly was referred to as Windows Server 7, and the client OS Windows 7 although Microsoft officials have not said if they will ship together.

But users who adopt both will get new security, network and other features although some of those will require network upgrades like implementing IPv6.

The R2 beta's integration with Windows 7 is high on the server's feature list. The integration points include a laundry list of features including DirectAccess, which lets Windows 7 PCs directly connect to intranet-based resources without needing a VPN connection.

While DirectAccess could eliminate VPN infrastructure, users will have to support and IPSec on their network in order to access intranet resources.