Service Pack 1 for Windows Server 2008 R2 (and Windows 7) being released to manufacturing (RTM) today.  This is great news after an extensive beta period. Organizations can now plan for SP1 deployments. With SP1, organizations can use new features like Dynamic Memory, for increased virtual machine density, and RemoteFX for an enhanced Remote Desktop experience.

The availability of Service Pack 1 may also encourage customers with “SP0 anxiety” to start implementing Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7.

Availability of SP1 is scheduled as follows:

• February 16:  Available to TechNet/MSDN subscribers and Volume Licensing customers;
• February 22:  General availability through Download Center and Windows Update.

Update: The Exchange Team blog published an item stating Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 support for:

• Exchange 2007 SP3
• Exchange 2010 RTM
• Exchange 2010 SP1

So, unlike earlier rumors, you don’t need to wait for Exchange 2010 SP2. What this means for the list of hotfix prerequisites remains to be seen. Note that the Exchange 2010 Supportability Matrix doesn’t mention Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 yet.