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According to , Microsoft revealed Longhorn Server (Windows Server 2007?) to 5000 people this week. Microsoft confirmed the release that these people will receive a beta for the next-generation OS. The Longhorn Server is not available for public download.

There is no date schedule for when a beta may or may not be made available to the general public.

As a recent certification graduate for Windows Server 2003, I am interested in the release, and would not mind having my hands on it. Windows Server 2003 (W2K3) features many new improvements from Windows 2000 Server, such as improved IIS tools, a poor-man's email server, more adjustments to the OS without requiring a restart of the server (this one is big!), and a host of other features. The OS has definately grown up since the days of NT!

I can only wonder what is going to be new for Longhorn -- perhaps more web extensions that work in a Microsoft-only world, such as IE things that only work with IE, and nothing else. Perhaps there will be other things rolled in -- unlimited terminal services, or licensing management tools. We should also see more support for 64-bit processors, along with more optimized code for the larger caches that are shipping today. Perhaps they will even optimize the libraries for the servers, so that the OS will adjust itself slightly depending upon the hardware platform.

While I can see why I still prefer Linux servers over the Microsoft ones (and I am looking at pure technology here -- not factoring in cost at all), Windows Server 2003 has shown me that Microsoft has a nice server product out there. I do have to wonder what Microsoft's vision of the future really is, and if I will be able to afford the hardware that the vision will demand.

Christian

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A brief historical update and practical notes tied to the thread: the Longhorn codename covered the next-generation client and server work, but Microsoft separated the lines — the client became Windows Vista and the server product was officially named Windows Server 2008 (announced at WinHEC, May 2007). (news.microsoft.com)

Key milestones are useful when evaluating what you might see in early reports or leaked builds: Longhorn/Windows Server 2008 moved through multiple betas in 2005–2007, reached RC1 for public evaluation late 2007, and RTM was completed in February 2008 ahead of the formal launch events later that month. Knowing which build you have matters because features and compatibility changed across those waves. (en.wikipedia.org)

For admins coming from Windows Server 2003 (as was thinking), the server-side changes to plan for were substantial: Server Core (a minimal, command-line installation to reduce attack surface), integrated Hyper-V virtualization, a modular IIS 7.0, Network Access Protection (NAP) enforcement, and expanded Group Policy preferences — plus a clear push toward 64-bit-first server deployments. These are the platform shifts that drive migration work (hardware, drivers, imaging and policy testing). (learn.microsoft.com)

A short practical checklist for testing and planning: use official Microsoft RC/evaluation images and TechNet/MSDN channels rather than leaked builds; run an isolated VM lab (virtualize the server and apps); scan apps with the Application Compatibility Toolkit; verify vendor drivers on x64 hardware; and evaluate Server Core for single-role servers rather than general-purpose installs. Microsoft published evaluation/RC downloads and migration tooling as part of the launch wave. (learn.microsoft.com)

As and noted, the naming caused confusion at the time — this summary clarifies the official outcome and gives concrete next steps for anyone moving from W2K3 to the Longhorn/Windows Server 2008 platform.

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Member Avatar for Dani

Keep up with the times, Christian! :) hehe

Longhorn, which recently made its public debut, (warez betas currently available, while legit betas are available to a select few) has now been dubbed Vista. Screenshots available on the web. See previous blogs about this. :)

Member Avatar for Danny

They're not still calling it Longhorn server, are they? Will it be Vista server? :?

Member Avatar for Dani

Yeah, there's no more Longhorn. I'm not sure of the official new name. Also not sure if Vista is just consumer end (Vista 32bit and Vista 64bit).

Member Avatar for kc0arf

Hi,

I was under the impression that Vista was the WORKSTATION OS, not the Server. There is a difference. I will review the article again.

Christian

Member Avatar for kc0arf

Hello,

I confirmed with the source, and it is the SERVER version that is on the limited release, not the general Vista that is aimed at the Workstation.

Sorry CSCGAL. :)

Christian

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