While 2007 is still a long way off, Microsoft is making headway (at least on slide decks) with Longhorn Server, according to the Redmond software maker's partners. Before the Windows Server team can dedicate itself exclusively to Longhorn Server, it needs to roll out several other new releases, including Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1; the 64-bit and Compute Cluster versions of Windows Server 2003; and Windows Server 2003 "R2."
That explains why Microsoft isn't talking publicly about Longhorn Server, beyond the broad-brush overview provided by Senior VP Bob Muglia back in May. Since that time, the plan for Longhorn Server changed fairly substantially, with Microsoft's decision to cut the backbone WinFS file system from the product. Despite the WinFS move — or, perhaps as a result of it — Longhorn Server is still on track for 2007, Microsoft officials are telling some partners. Microsoft is expecting to deliver Longhorn Server Beta 1 in 2005, according to these partners, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
News source: Microsoft Watch
