Microsoft Oscillates Between 2007 and 2008 with Windows Server Longhorn

While having announced the availability of the final version of Windows Server Longhorn for the second half of 2007, Microsoft is still generating confusion with the product. Currently, the company is oscillating between including either 2007 or 2008 in the product's name.

In fact, by the looks of it, Windows Server Longhorn could actually go either way, and end up as Windows Server 2007 or as Windows Server 2008. Microsoft will deliver the final version of Longhorn by the end of this year, but the timeframe of the launch will qualify the product for both the 2007 and 2008 references.

Microsoft has failed to confirm anything officially, but as it often happens, the in-house mechanics over at the Redmond Company are not in tune with one another. The official channels are mute to the matter, but Microsoft is offering clues that are pointing to Windows Server 2007.

Additionally, Windows Server 2008 is also referenced widely, and Microsoft is even providing a logo of the product. Mary Jo Foley reported that the virtual press room of Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2007 in Los Angeles featured a link to the Windows Server 2008 reviewers guide.

But the strongest Windows Server 2008 clues come from Microsoft France. Windows Server 2008 is a common reference on Microsoft France TechNet, and this is also the location that features the final logo of the product.

It is safe to assume that Microsoft will go with Windows Server 2008 as the final name for the Windows Server Longhorn. Still, the Redmond Company did attempt to remedy the leaks and removed the Windows Server 2008 reference from the WinHEC 2007 press room. But with the logo out in the open, it will be harder and harder for Microsoft to continue to keep quiet the christening plans for Longhorn, which is currently in Beta 3 phase.