Although Microsoft had initially planned to release a new build to Windows Server "Longhorn" in November 2006, the release has been postponed and became available for download yesterday, December 20. The new build of the Windows Server "Longhorn" is yet another step in the Microsoft Longhorn Server beta program.

The previous Windows Server "Longhorn" build 5600 was released in August. Starting yesterday, build 6001.16406 has been released to a limited pool of testers. "The new Longhorn Server build will be made available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers," stated Microsoft in an email addressed to the press.

In fact, Windows Server "Longhorn" build 6001.16406 is the December Community Technology Preview (CTP). "There's also an updated copy of the Microsoft Beta Client. Ensure that your new build of Longhorn Server is running this, and another versions running on any other machine are updated accordingly," revealed Zack Whittaker over at the MSBLOG. And in fact, here is a link that will point you to the CTP build, but the download is available exclusively to Tech beta participants.

Additionally, the Windows Server Division has announced that Microsoft is right on track to releasing the upcoming milestone of the Windows Server "Longhorn." The Redmond Company has not specified an actual date for this but the release is expected to be available in the first half of 2007.

"Beta 3 will be feature-complete, and it will be the first public milestone of Windows Server Longhorn, meaning that we'll be doing everything we can to get it into the hands of our partners and customers so that they can begin some serious testing (if they're not already). Don't miss out! Pre-register to receive notification of the availability of Beta 3 and gain access to additional technical materials and resources through the TechNet Flash newsletter," stated a representative from the Windows Server Division.