Quote:Microsoft Thursday posted the feature-complete, third beta for Windows Server "Longhorn," marking the final time the product will be available for testing and feedback before the server update is available later this year.

The latest build follows on an unanticipated Community Technology Preview (CTP) build of Longhorn Server, which Microsoft made available earlier this month.

"As they take it for a test drive, our customers and partners will find we made some vast improvements in Windows Server 'Longhorn' to help them reduce costs and adapt to changing business needs," said Bill Laing, general manager of the Windows Server Division at Microsoft.

"This is our most customer-centric release aimed at improving administration, protection and flexibility," according to Hilary Wittman, senior product manager, Windows Server, Microsoft Canada.

In Beta 3, customers will see new features and enhancements that include stronger security, better performance, new server roles and features, and additional server management and remote administration tools.

The Beta 3 release of Windows Server "Longhorn" marks the beginning of the second wave of innovation to be delivered by Microsoft over the next year. Following on the heels of launch of Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system are Windows Server "Longhorn" and the next versions of Visual Studio, code-named "Orcas," and Microsoft SQL Server ™, code-named "Katmai."

These products will provide organizations with an advanced development and Web platform as well as streamlined data management and analysis, enabling infrastructure optimization.