Now for Longhorn Server

So Microsoft's Vista desktop OS has finally been released to manufacturing (RTM). Thank goodness for that, many will say: although we've assiduously covered the many pre-release versions, there are probably only so many Vista previews one can take. We're nearly there now -- just the full, rated, review to go!

The next big Windows release has received far less attention from the mainstream technology press than Vista, but is equally if not more important for businesses: this is Longhorn Server, the successor to Windows Server 2003.

Beta 2 of Longhorn Server is available now, through MSDN and TechNet subscriptions. Community Technology Preview (CTP) builds are expected in late November and late January 2007, with Beta 3 arriving shortly after that. The final release is expected sometime in the second half of 2007. You can find more details in Mary Jo Foley's blog over on ZDNet.com.