February 27, 2008 was confirmed by Microsoft as the official launching date for Windows Server 2008, formerly codenamed Longhorn. The Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2007 was the stage for the announcement. At the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2007 in Los Angeles in mid May, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates not only christened Windows Server 2008, but also revealed that the company plans to release the server operating system to manufacturing by the end of 2007. However, users were left guessing in relation to the availability date of Microsoft's last 32-bit server operating system.

"In anticipation for the most significant Microsoft enterprise event in the next year, Kevin Turner, chief operating officer announced that Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 will launch together at an event in Los Angeles on Feb. 27, 2008, kicking off hundreds of launch events around the world. As the next wave of innovation from Microsoft's Server and Tools Business, these three products will provide a reliable and security-enhanced enterprise platform, serve as the foundation for the next generation of Web-based service applications, and broadly support virtualization and business intelligence," Microsoft stated in a press release.

Currently the RTM date of Windows Server 2008 is intimately connected with that of Windows Vista Service Pack 1. Microsoft has not confirmed speculations that Vista SP1 will be made available concomitantly with the RTM date of Windows Server 2008, sometime in November this year. Additionally, the Redmond Company has not commented on reports that the fist beta for Windows Vista SP1 will be launched next week.

"Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 represent tremendous opportunities for partners and customers, and as part of the launch wave throughout 2008, Microsoft is planning extensive and far-reaching IT pro, developer and partner outreach, including worldwide training, online and virtual events, as well as myriad resources that will be made available in the coming months to help ensure partners and customers are ready to capitalize on the new benefits offered by these products," Microsoft added.