Longhorn Windows Server To Offer Federation, Collaboration, Advanced Storage

Microsoft

According to documents viewed by CRN, Microsoft's Longhorn version of the Windows server will feature federated services, new collaboration capabilities, advanced storage features based on its Yukon technology and a policy-driven directory. The Longhorn server release, for example, will enable federated services, thus allowing application and Web service internetworking.

According to the Microsoft confidential document, the Longhorn server is now scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2003.

In the more immediate future, Microsoft's Windows.Net server will offer native XML support and support for the company's Web-based Passport authenticate service, as well as application security and eight-node clustering, according to the document.

The Windows.Net server, which like Windows XP service pack 1 will be released during the second half of 2002, was delayed to add security features as part of Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative, Microsoft confirmed recently.

Windows.Net will also feature 64-bit support and an enhanced Internet Information Server 6.0, the Microsoft document also said.

The two next-generation servers, as well as a follow-on currently code-named Blackcomb, are to be detailed at Microsoft's Tech Ed show next month.

While Windows.Net will incorporate support for Microsoft's .Net framework, the Longhorn feature will be fully .Net-enabled with significant Web services capabilities such as federation and collaboration, sources said.

As part of Microsoft's Global XML Web service Architecture, known as GXA, federation will support XML Web services that cross organizational and trust boundaries and requires no central servers or administrative functions. The federated capabilities of Longhorn, for example, will synchronize .Net applications and HailStorm Web services within and outside of the corporate firewall.

One analyst who declined to be named said he expects the Longhorn client and server won't hit the streets until 2004 or perhaps 2005.