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Another Windows Server 2008 CTP Ships
New CTP of Windows Server 2008 includes Web server "core" role.
Microsoft in late June released another community technology preview (CTP) of Windows Server 2008, making it appear increasingly likely that the successor to Windows Server 2003 will be shipped early next year.
The CTP release comes roughly two months after a beta 3 release of what was then code-named "Longhorn."
Beta 3 was nearly feature-complete, so there won't be a lot of new bells and whistles in the CTP. That doesn't mean it's bereft of interest, however, because it does include the Web server "core" role. Server Core provides a way to install limited-functionality versions of Windows Server 2008, tuned for specific functions such as DNS, file serving or virtualization. For the Web server role, Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0 will be installed with only the necessary components. This leads to a smaller footprint, along with a much-reduced attack surface.
Microsoft's Bill Laing, general manager of the Windows Server Division, has said the company added IIS7 to the Server Core lineup in response to a wave of user feedback.
The other changes for the CTP are bug fixes and performance enhancements, along with some minor UI tweaks, according to Microsoft.
Microsoft has also announced the Windows Server 2008 Learning Portal, which contains links to information on upgrading certifications, as well as books, online training courses and more.
About the Author
Keith Ward is the editor in chief of Virtualization & Cloud Review. Follow him on Twitter @VirtReviewKeith.