The best replacement for 2008 r2 is 2008.

The best alternatives to 2008 r2 are rated as following:
★★★★★  2008
★★★★  2012 active directory
★★★  2008 sp2
★★  sbs 2011
★★  2012 hyper-v
★★  sql 2012
★★  server 2012
★★  windows 2008
★  sql 2008
★  windows server 2008
★  sql 2005
★  server 2008
★  windows server 2012
★  sql server 2008
  2008 server
  sql server 2012
  windows 2003
  windows 2012

Your alternative for 2008 r2 is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about 2008 r2, one probably shouldn't forget about hyper v.

Other search terms related to 2008 r2 and their ratings are:
★★★★★ hyper v
★★★★ management studio
★★ iis
★ sql 2005
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Google Trends

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2008 r2
2008
2012 active directory