Windows Server 2008 Product Roadmap

Now available, Windows Server 2008 is the next major Windows Server release. Windows Server 2008, with available Web and virtualization technologies, enables you to increase the reliability and flexibility of your server infrastructure. New virtualization tools, Web technologies, and security enhancements help you save time, reduce costs, and provide a solid foundation for a dynamic and optimized datacenter. Windows Server 2008 is currently available for evaluation. The following table summarizes the product roadmap for Windows Server from 2007 and beyond, including service packs, feature packs, update releases, and the next major release:

Windows Server 2003 SP2 (2007) A cumulative service pack that includes the latest updates and provides enhancements to security and stability.

Windows Home Server (2007) Windows Home Server, released on July 16, 2007, is designed to help families centralize and connect their digital experiences, providing a familiar, easy, and reliable way to store, access, share, and automatically help protect what is most important.

Windows Server 2008 (2008 and beyond) Windows Server 2008, released on February 27, 2008, builds on the success of predecessor Windows Server operating systems. Windows Server 2008 is designed to provide organizations with the most productive platform for powering applications, networks, and Web services from the workgroup to the datacenter with valuable new functionality and powerful improvements to the base operating system.

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (2008 and beyond) Windows Essential Business Server, scheduled to launch on November 12, 2008, is an all-in-one integrated multi-server solution designed and priced specifically for midsize businesses. Windows Essential Business Server provides the essential technology needed for a highly secure and reliable infrastructure.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 (2008 and beyond) Windows Small Business Server 2008, scheduled to launch on November 12, 2008, is an all-in-one server solution designed to help you keep your data more secure and your company more productive.

Windows Storage Server 2008 (2008 and beyond) Windows Storage Server 2008, scheduled for release during 2008, is the next version of Windows Storage Server and will incorporate a variety of new technical enhancements.

Windows Server 2008 R2 (2008 and beyond) Scheduled for release during 2010.

Windows Server 2003 Extended Support Phase On July 13, 2010, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2003 R2 will transition from the Mainstream Support phase to the Extended Support phase. These support transition dates are in accordance with the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy.