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Microsoft: Windows Server 2008 Not Delayed

Speculation has been growing in the media that Windows Server 2008, could be delayed past its RTM and slip into 2008. Microsoft says "it just ain't so."

Speculation has been growing in the media that Windows Server 2008, formerly code-named "Longhorn," could be delayed past its release to manufacturing (RTM) date of the second half of 2007, and slip into 2008. Microsoft, on its Windows Server Division blog today, says "it just ain't so."

The very brief note reads in full: "Today we noticed a couple articles which have incorrectly speculated about a Windows Server 2008 delay. Actually, we remain fully on track for Windows Server 2008's release to manufacturing in the second half of 2007, with general availability following after that as usual."

Microsoft has given no more specific timetable for the new OS's release, but the name gives a hint that it will be released late in 2007 at the earliest. Windows Server 2008 is currently in beta 3 release, and is feature complete, according to Microsoft.

Joe Wilcox, a technology reporter who blogs about Microsoft, gave a long list of reasons for a possible delay, including the cancellation of the Partner Developer Conference, or PDC, Microsoft's long track record of delays, and the length of time between the release of beta 2 and beta 3, which was about 11 months, and the fact that beta 3 has only been out since April 24.

Ward Ralston, a senior technical product manager in the Windows Server group, told an 1105 Media reporter for an earlier story that following the beta period (beta 3 is the last beta), there will be at least one Release Candidate before RTM.

The release dates for the successor to Windows Server 2003 have been slipping almost since the first announcement, when the world was introduced to the codename "Longhorn". During a keynote speech during the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in May 2003, a Microsoft executive revealed a "Windows Client Roadmap" graphic. The image clearly shows "Longhorn RTM" in 2005.

About the Author

Keith Ward is the editor in chief of Virtualization & Cloud Review. Follow him on Twitter @VirtReviewKeith.

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