Windows Server Code Name "Longhorn" Beta 3 available for Download

 Yesterday, Microsoft released a new, public beta of the next generation server operating system, code name "Longhorn".  "Longhorn", besides being named after one of my favorite animals, represents some serious advancements to the Windows Server operating systems - giving you more control, greater flexibility, and increased protection for your server infrastructure while reducing time and costs.

There are several versions available:

Windows Server "Longhorn" Standard Edition
This edition of Windows Server "Longhorn" provides key server functionality across most server roles and features. It includes both full and Server Core installation options.
Windows Server "Longhorn" Enterprise Edition
This edition builds on Windows Server "Longhorn" Standard Edition to provide greater scalability and availability, and adds enterprise technologies such as Failover Clustering and Active Directory Federation Services.
Windows Server "Longhorn" Datacenter Edition
This edition offers the same functionality as Windows Server "Longhorn" Enterprise Edition with support for additional memory and processors, and unlimited virtual image use rights.
Windows Web Server "Longhorn"
This edition is designed specifically for use as a web and applications server. Other server roles and the Server Core installation option are not available in this edition.
Windows Server "Longhorn" for Itanium-based Systems
This edition is designed for use with Intel Itanium 64-bit processors to provide web and applications server functionality on that platform. Other server roles and features may not be available

I encourage everyone to hop over to MSDN, download the latest version of Virtual PC or Virtual Server, install "Longhorn" on there, and give it a test drive.  Let me know what you think - what do you like?  What don't you like?  What could we do to make it better?  Was it different than you expected?  Let us know!