At the beginning of the past week, Microsoft made available Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate 0, in a move synchronized with the release of the first fully-fledged beta for Windows Vista Service Pack 1. Moving into release candidate stage is the Redmond company's way of indicating that its last 32-bit server operating system is getting closer and closer to RTM. Windows Server 2008 was planned to be released to manufacturing by the end of 2008 ever since the product was still codenamed Longhorn. Due to quality issues, the RTM was postponed to the first quarter of 2008; however, Microsoft underlined the fact that the launch date at the end of February of next year will remain unchanged.

Concomitantly with the release candidate of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft also made available the Community Technology Preview of Windows Server Virtualization, codenamed Viridian. Windows Server Virtualization is a hypervisor, a layer that sits between the hardware and Windows Server 2008, allowing the installation of multiple processor guests and system memory allocations of over 32 GB of RAM per machine. At the same time, due to the fact that Viridian is still a CTP, there are inherent issues, and Jeff Woolsey, a Senior Program Manager on Microsoft Virtualization, took the time to put together a FAQ addressing Windows Server Virtulization, along with Windows Server 2008.

"It's been a busy week at Microsoft and the Windows Server 2008 RC0 release is off to a great start! In addition to all of the new Windows Server 2008 capabilities (Server Core, Read-Only Domain Controllers, IIS 7.0, Network Access Protection, Terminal Services RemoteApp for starters), Windows Server virtualization (aka Viridian) is getting just a wee bit of notice too…" Woolsey stated. "With so many people trying out Windows Server 2008 RC0 and the Virtualization technical preview, my inbox is overflowing from customers all over the world with overwhelmingly positive feedback and questions." Woolsey explained the connection between the Windows Server Virtualization Preview and a full Installation of Windows Server 2008 RC0, as well as some additional Windows Server 2008 and Viridian problems in the FAQ.