Microsoft is offering for download not only the first fully-fledged Beta for Windows Vista Service Pack 2, but also for Windows Server 2008 SP2. Starting with Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008, the Redmond company joined its client and server operating systems at the hip. With a common codebase, the two platforms now have synchronized development processes, and are also serviced together. In the context in which Windows Server 2008 RTM was actually SP1, it is only natural that the next stage in evolution would be SP2.

Concomitantly with Vista SP2 Beta, Microsoft is offering, via the Download Center, Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 Beta - Five Language Standalone for ia64-based systems, Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 Beta - Five Language Standalone DVD ISO, Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 Beta - Five Language Standalone for x64-based systems, and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 Beta Five Language Standalone. The Beta releases are an integral part of the Customer Preview Program for both Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2.

“This CPP is designed to give developers and IT Professionals the opportunity to have an early look at SP2 by installing and testing in their environments. We hope these installs will give us great feedback through the automated feedback reporting tool to ensure we ship the highest quality Service Pack,” revealed Justin Graham, senior PM Windows Server.

Microsoft is currently working to deliver the gold versions of Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Sever 2008 SP2 together in the first half of 2009. The RTM date was not officially confirmed, nevertheless speculation is pointing to April 2009 for the releasing to manufacturing of the two service packs.

“SP2 is an update to Windows Server 2008 that addresses feedback from our customers and partners. By providing these fixes integrated into a single service pack, Microsoft provides a single high-quality update that minimizes deployment and testing complexity for customers. In addition to all previously released updates, SP2 will contain changes focused on addressing reliability and performance issues, supporting new kinds of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards. SP2 will also continue to make it easier for IT administrators to deploy and manage large installations of Windows Server 2008,” Microsoft revealed.

Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2) Beta is available for download here.