Microsoft'sWindows Server 2008may be delayed
after Redmond put back the release to manufacturing (RTM)
date.
The company originally planned to release the software to server
manufacturers, developers and other partners by the end of this
year.
It has now said the RTM date will be "in the first quarter of
2008". As a result, third-party testing of the product will be
delayed, which could have a knock-on effect when it comes to
shipping the software to end-users.
Microsoft had promised to launch the product at a Los Angeles
event on 27 February. It says this event will still take place, but
it has not confirmed commercial availability will be unaffected by
the delayed RTM date.
The product is currently in final beta 3 development.
Helene Love Snell, Windows Server product manager, said in a
company blog, "Windows Server 2008, which we have been saying would
Release to Manufacturing (RTM) by the end of the calendar year, is
now slated to RTM in the first quarter of calendar year 2008."
She said, "Microsoft's first priority is to deliver a great
product to our customers and partners, and while we are very happy
with the feedback we are 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."
The 27 February launch event in LA will feature Windows Server
2008,
Visual Studio 2008 and
SQL Server 2008.
The
Windows 2008 blog can be read here.