In August 2009, Microsoft commissioned Forrester Consulting to examine the total economic impact and potential return on investment (ROI) that enterprises may realize by deploying Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows Server 2008 R2 is the newest Windows Server operating system from Microsoft. To understand the financial impact of deploying Windows Server 2008 R2, Forrester conducted indepth interviews with nine actual Microsoft customers. These organizations were all Microsoft TAP customers who are early adopters of Windows Server 2008 R2. Forrester then compiled the results from these interviews into a composite case study of a North American retail and distribution organization of 1,500 employees and $450 million in annual revenue.

The purpose of this study is to provide readers with a framework to evaluate the potential financial impact of Windows Server 2008 R2 on their organizations. Forrester's aim is to clearly show all calculations and assumptions used in the analysis. Readers should use this study to better understand and communicate a business case for investing in Windows Server 2008 R2.