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Microsoft will make the first release candidate for Windows Server 2008 and the first beta for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 available within the next 24 hours, the software maker said Sept. 24.

A Community Technology Preview of Windows Server virtualization, code-named Viridian, will also be released for customer and partner download and testing.

So will the CTP for the IIS 7 (Internet Information Services 7.0) Media Pack, which can also be installed as part of Windows Server Core and features Windows Media Services 2008. Microsoft, based in Redmond, Wash., said the Media Pack will provide two times the scalability over Windows Media Services 9.0.

For its part, Windows Server 2008 brings new technologies like server and presentation virtualization capabilities, IIS 7, Server Core, PowerShell, Network Access Protection, Server Manager, and enhanced networking and clustering technologies.

"All of these feature improvements provide customers with the most integrated Windows solution to date. For example, IIS 7.0, Microsoft's platform for developing and reliably hosting Web applications and services, is experiencing strong customer momentum, with more than 13 hosting companies offering IIS 7.0 and more than 1,200 customers who have deployed it via the GoLive license," said Bill Laing, general manager of Microsoft's Windows Server Division.

Some customers, like Windrush Frozen Foods, a U purveyor of frozen, chilled and ambient foods, based in Witney, England, say they are looking forward to taking advantage of the new features found in the server software.

"Our operations are up and running 24 hours a day, so it is critical for us to have a stable technology infrastructure. With Windows Server 2008 we are looking forward to taking advantage of clustering and data recovery features to help us provide consistent, uninterrupted services to our customers," said Windrush IT manager Robbie Roberts.