14 DAY TRIAL // As Microsoft is gearing up for the global launch of Windows Server 2008, the company has yet to RTM its latest server operating system. Windows Server 2008's official launch is scheduled for the Heroes Happen Here launch event on February 28, 2008, in Los Angeles. The server platform will be accompanied by Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008. Out of the three products, only Visual Server 2008 has already been released to manufacturing. The RTM of SQL Server 2008 was pushed back to the third quarter of 2008, and all indications point to the fact that the RTM for Windows Server 2008 is imminent.
Sources close to Microsoft have revealed that Windows Server 2008 is currently planned to be released to manufacturing on February 6, 2008, according to SearchWinIT. Microsoft's last 32-bit server operating system will bring to the table a range of enhancements compared to its predecessor: Windows Server 2003. James Senior, Microsoft UK Partner Technical Specialist, has enumerated the top eight reasons to upgrade to Windows Server 2008, pointing to the feature that makes them possible.
Windows Server 2008 will "protect your network from viruses and enforcing compliance - Network Access Protection - NAP; provide efficient, low - overhead core services with a reduced attack surface - Server Core; meet the next generation security threats to your network, data and business - Windows Server 2008 security; offer consolidation, compatibility and centralization - Windows Server Virtualization; provide flexible centralized application access for remote and mobile users Terminal Services; enable more secure collaboration Federated Rights and Identity Management; ease administration, management and automation Server Manager and PowerShell; and deliver rich web content, applications and streaming media Internet Information Services 7.0," Senior stated.
Microsoft has in fact already made the jump to Windows Server 2008. The company's Microsoft.com web domain is powered entirely by Windows Server 2008, the transition having been made as the latest server platform was still in beta testing phase. Right now, over at Microsoft, there is only one box still running Windows Server 2003, and that will be upgraded to Windows Server 2008 following RTM.