Following the releases of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has moved onward to the next iterations of both its client and server operating systems. And just as Windows 7 is the successor of Vista, so Windows 7 Server is designed to be the next version of Windows Server, and to replace Windows Server 2008. The Redmond company is completely mute on Windows 7 but it did manage to point to 2010 for a potential general availability date, talk about the MinWin core. Not the same is valid about Windows 7 Server. Details on the next generation Windows Server platform are even scarcer than those for Windows 7, but the operating system is already dog-fooded over at Microsoft.

On June 4h and 5, 2008, in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft is hosting the Windows Rally Technologies, an event where the company will demonstrate, among others, Windows 7 Server. The Windows Rally Partner Summit held in Building 20, Microsoft Main Campus, according to the official schedule which can be downloaded straight from Microsoft (via UX Evangelist). Microsoft failed to provide a great deal of details, and the participants are unlikely to share anything on the Windows 7 Server demonstration since all the partners are under a strict non-disclosure agreement. However, the main demo will focus on the Business Scanning feature of Windows 7 Server. However, one thing is clear at this point in time, along with Windows 7, Microsoft is also dog-fooding Windows 7 Server, while also serving the operating system to its closest partners.

"This session will introduce participants to the Business Scanning feature which is planned for Windows 7 Server. An overview of the technology will be presented, including the required protocols, Active Directory, Security and Windows Server Manager integration. The scanning functional model, theory of operation and the usage scenarios will be discussed. A development requirements overview will be presented to IHVs to show how MFPs can interact with Business Scanning," Microsoft revealed.