Longhorn Alpha 2 Debuts

At WinHEC 2004 last week in Seattle, Microsoft executives demonstrated an update of the Longhorn Windows Developer Preview and development kit, and pledged to have the first beta edition out in 2005.

"This is the year we'll get a fully capable version [of Longhorn] in the hands of developers," said Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates, underscoring advances in 64-bit technology, security, wireless, graphics and storage features slated for the Longhorn release of Windows, due to ship in 2006.

At WinHEC, Microsoft showed advanced 3-D and visual interface capabilities of the Longhorn GUI and "superfetch" technology for better handling of virtual memory. It also demonstrated a File Transfer Wizard, which can rapidly enable the migration of all files from one PC to another.

The Redmond, Wash., software giant also announced a revised Windows server road map that includes plans to ship in 2005 significant updates to Windows Server 2003 and Windows Small Business Server, as well as deliver a new Windows Storage Server, code-named Storm. In addition, Microsoft said it will deliver before the end of this year Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for 64-Bit Extended Systems and Virtual Server 2005, as well as an update of Windows Small Business Server 2003 with ISA 2004.

But neither Gates nor Microsoft's platform group vice president, Jim Allchin, said when the more immediate security packs for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 would ship.

The company recently confirmed that Windows XP Service Pack 2, which incorporates a host of new security features, support for "No Execute" processor technology and Advanced Networking features,would be delayed until the third quarter. Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 is due by year's end.

Gates predicted that new methods of isolating Windows from hacker attacks, along with No Execute memory protection and enhanced security in the next Internet Protocol stack will snuff out the security crisis.

Moreover, Microsoft has adopted an initiative to define Windows Server System (WSS) criteria that ensure a "consistently high level of reliability, security, [total cost of ownership] and predictability from our products," according to a memo by Paul Flessner, senior vice president of Microsoft's Server Platform Division.

The memo said Microsoft plans to disclose the first WSS criteria at Tech Ed 2004 later this month. Microsoft server products version 2005 or greater will need to meet WSS criteria, the memo said.