The best replacement for server 2008 is r2.

The best alternatives to server 2008 are rated as following:
★★★★★  r2
★★★★★  windows 7
★★★★  2003
★★★  linux
★★  whs
★★  2008r2
★★  server 2008 r2
★  oracle
★  2008 r2
★  windows server 2008 r2
★  2005
★  sbs
★  windows server 2003
★  sbs 2011
★  server 2003
★  whs 2011
★  home server
  sbs 2008
  small business server
  server 2012
  oracle 11g
  sql server 2008 r2
  ubuntu server
  sql server 2005

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

Other search terms related to server 2008 and their ratings are:
★★★★★ hyper v
★★★ management studio
★★ nolock
★★ clause
★★ cals
★ statement
hyper
You have in mind a companion for server 2008 and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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server 2008
r2
windows 7