Microsoft released the 3rd beta of Longhorn

Microsoft is expected to release a third beta version of the Windows Server server operating system, codenamed "Longhorn", in early March.

The CTP version (short for the upcoming community preview specification) will be the first test Longhorn to be publicly available to partners and customers. In October 2006, Microsoft also released a CTP but only for selected partners.

According to industry observers, after launching Windows Vista and Office 2007 last week, Microsoft will focus resources on server components.

As planned, Longhorn will integrate advanced virtualization capabilities, support office connectivity, Vista integration, and compatibility with 64-bit applications and hardware.

Microsoft is expected to release the Longhorn version later this year, but observers say it is not until 2008 that Microsoft reaches this goal.