News

Windows Server 2008 CTP Released

The CTP release makes it appear increasingly likely that the successor to Windows Server 2003 will be shipped early next year.

The next Community Technology Preview (CTP) for Windows Server 2008 has been released, making it appear increasingly likely that the successor to Windows Server 2003 will be shipped early next year.

The CTP release, announced on Microsoft's Windows Server Division blog, comes almost exactly two months after the beta 3 release of what was then called Longhorn Server. "The June 2007 CTP is another step toward Release Candidate and ultimately RTM [release to manufacturing], which remains on track to hit before the end of 2007," the blog author wrote.

Beta 3 was nearly feature complete, so there won't be a lot of new bells and whistles in the CTP. That doesn't mean it's bereft of interest however, because it does include the Web Server "core" role.

Server Core is a limited-functionality version of Windows Server 2008, tuned for specific functions such as DNS, file serving or virtualization. For the Web Server role, Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0 will be installed, with only the components necessary. This leads to a smaller footprint, along with a much-reduced attack surface.

Microsoft's Bill Laing, general manager of the Windows Server Division, said in an earlier press release that the addition of IIS7 to the server core lineup was spurred by users. "This is a direct result of feedback we received from customers and partners. In fact, it was pretty much the No. 1 request."

The other changes for the CTP are bug fixes and performance enhancements, along with some minor UI tweaks, according to the blog entry.

Learning about the new server should be a little easier with the just-announced Windows Server 2008 Learning Portal. The portal contains links to information on upgrading certifications, as well as books, online training courses and more.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.

Most   Popular