Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7

This chapter discusses the features that leverage both the Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 operating systems. It explores how to plan for and deploy BranchCache within the network. It also highlights planning and deploying DirectAccess to provide remote VPNless connectivity for Windows 7 clients. BranchCache is a new feature available in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. BranchCache provides a better end-user experience for users opening files across a Wide Area Network (WAN) by caching a copy in the branch office after the document or intranet Web site is opened for the first time. The cached copy can be stored on a branch office server running Windows Server 2008 R2 (hosted mode) or a Windows 7 client (distributed mode). When a second client attempts to open the same file, it is opened from the cached copy as opposed to attempting to access the file over the WAN.