14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has given the green light to the testing of Windows Server 2008 application testing. The initiative comes via the resources made available through the Innovate on Windows Server portal, and is addressed at third-party developers that build applications on top of Microsoft's last 32-bit server operating system. Bruce Kyle, an architect evangelist for Microsoft in the Developer & Platform Evangelism team, revealed that the company is offering a range of free tools set to permit application compatibility testing on Windows Server 2008, formerly codenamed Longhorn.
"Innovate on Windows Server 2008 is the development portal that includes key marketing information and resources such as the Application Compatibility Cookbook, "Works with" and Certification Test Tool downloads and demos, developer resources, and links to pre-release Windows Server 2008 software. You can self test your application and have access to AdCenter and special offers to profile your application," Kyle explained.
Today, November 1, 2007, marks the debut of the testing resources for Windows Server 2008. According to Kyle, developers can take it one step further, and validate their applications in accordance with the following two labels: Works With Windows 2008 and Certified for Windows Server 2008. At this time, Microsoft is offering applicants in the Early Access Program on Innovate on Windows Server the chance to benefit from fee waivers and discounts that will continue to be valid until mid February 2008, a couple of weeks away from the official launch of Windows Server 2008.
Visual Studio 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 are all scheduled to launch on February 27, 2008. The server operating system will be released to manufacturing in 2008, but RC0 of the product can be grabbed here. "The key point is that you can test your application now. You can do so for free and get some marketing benefits as well. If you want to go further, Microsoft will help pick up the tab for testing and provide even more marketing benefits," Kyle added.