Microsoft recently released Beta 3 of Longhorn, the Windows Server replacement for the Windows Server 2003 operating system. In digging through some of the historical details, I discovered that operating system evolution is still of major importance.
For example, the Vista code base was reset to Windows Server 2003 in early 2004. With Vista released in Jan 2007 and Longhorn continuing development there is synergy in the common code base between the "client" (Vista) and the "server" (Windows Server). Of course it makes perfect sense to operate in this coordinated fashion, but I think that it escapes the typical media reporting of Microsoft events. Where it goes from here is the expected release of Longhorn in the last half of 2007 and an expected release of Vista Service Pack 1 without a date, but obviously with some linkage to Longhorn development.
ComputerWorld reviewed the Beta 3 Longhorn release in early May. The review was positive and highlighted several significant enhancements including:
For example, the Vista code base was reset to Windows Server 2003 in early 2004. With Vista released in Jan 2007 and Longhorn continuing development there is synergy in the common code base between the "client" (Vista) and the "server" (Windows Server). Of course it makes perfect sense to operate in this coordinated fashion, but I think that it escapes the typical media reporting of Microsoft events. Where it goes from here is the expected release of Longhorn in the last half of 2007 and an expected release of Vista Service Pack 1 without a date, but obviously with some linkage to Longhorn development.
ComputerWorld reviewed the Beta 3 Longhorn release in early May. The review was positive and highlighted several significant enhancements including:
- Windows Server Virtualization
- Server Manager
- Terminal Services
- Server Core
- Internet Information Services 7.0
- Branch office scenario enablement - incorporating security issues
- ... and a laundry list of security enhancements, tool enhancements, and availability improvements
- (I've seen other references to Active Directory changes as a key improvement)
The conclusion by Jonathan Hassell:
"My impressions of this release: Windows Server Longhorn is a major upgrade, one that promises benefits and advantages for a wide swath of shops across the world. Depending on where your heavy technology investments are, or how your company and its IT infrastructure are laid out, you'll find a lot to like -- and little to dislike."