Windows Server 2008 Delayed

If you were planing to purchase the new Windows Server 2008 you will have to wait some more. Microsoft just delayed the release of the operating system from the end of the year to the first quarter of 2008. Windows Server 2008 is currently in Beta 3 and is complete. The reason why the company did the announced move was because “it needs a little more time to bake” (according to Alex Hinrichs, Windows Server program manager). There is still no mention of the upcoming virtualization technology, Viridian, which was also delayed.

Microsoft’s plans were to host a special joint launch party for SQL Server 2008, VIsual Studio 2008 and Windows Server 2008. It seems that this will still take place on February 27 but the company is not offering any extra details. This is why we still do not now if Windows Server 2008 will be released before, on or after the given date. SQL Server 2008 is announced for release in the second quarter of next year. Helene Love Snell, senior product manager in the Windows Server division of Microsoft wrote on the Windows Server blog:

“Microsoft’s first priority is to deliver a great product to our customers and partners. While we’re very happy with the feedback we’re getting and the overall quality of the latest product builds, we would rather spend a little more time to meet the high quality bar that our customers and partners deserve and expect.”

Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 was download 300,000 times and according to Microsoft, Microsoft.com runs on WIndows Server 2008 so the operating system seems ready but not yet launched!