Microsoft has formally named Longhorn Server as "Windows Server 2007", and is getting close to shipping the next beta (beta 3). If you are interested in playing with Longhorn, then it's time to pre-register to get your hands on the next generation of the Windows Server operating system. W You can register for Longhorn beta 3 through the "Beta Central" program. This ensures you are notified when the beta is available and when the additional resources are available.These extra resources include Web forums, virtual labs, and other e-learning tools. In the meantime, why not spend some time to learn what's new in Longhorn, New features include improvements in networking, advanced security features (e.g. NAP), remote application access, centralized server role management, performance and reliability monitoring tools, failover clustering, deployment, and the file system. And for me one of the cooler features: Server core - a GUI-less version of Windows.

Stefan is right that we are close to shipping Beta 3 and that you can register to be notified of its availability through TechNet Beta Central. Stefan is also right that there are a lot of great new enhancement and that the Server Core installation option is one of the cooler features. Stefan is, however, NOT correct in saying that we have officially named Windows Server "Longhorn" :-) We have not.