Microsoft last week announced through its Windows Server Division Weblog the availability of the first release candidate (RC) for Windows Server 2008. This can be downloaded as part of the customer technology preview (CTP) program.

Along with Windows Server 2008, the first public release of Windows Server virtualization (WsV, formally codenamed Viridian) will be available. WSV allows multiple operating systems to be run on a single server, which has a host of benefits for an enterprise shop.

Ward Ralston, senior technical product manager for Windows Server is reported as saying:

“Not only does this milestone indicate that Windows Server 2008 is ready to march down the path to RTM (Release to Manufacturing) and readied for shipping ….but it also is the first time WsV will be part of the code base and available to everyone,”

Windows Server 2008 is scheduled to be part of a “Launch Wave” of Windows Server products 27 February 2008

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