A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed Friday that there will be a Longhorn server sometime after the company delivers the Longhorn client operating system.
His confirmation followed references to both a Longhorn server and Longhorn client made by Microsoft’s CFO (CFO) John Connors to Wall St analysts.
No timing was given for the Longhorn server, although delivery will likely push back the already delayed server operating system codenamed Blackcomb, which senior vice president Brian Valentine reportedly said in March 2003 would appear in either 2007 or 2008.
The Longhorn server has been an on-again and off-again proposition for Microsoft. In November 2002, Microsoft said Longhorn would be a client-only product but appeared to change its stance last year, when Valentine said a client was indeed planned.
Windows server group product manager Bob O’Brien, though, quickly corrected Valentine’s comments, telling press shortly afterwards Microsoft had no plans for a Longhorn server. Connors’ latest statement, and subsequent conformation by a spokesperson, appears to close the loop, with a Longhorn server now firmly on the agenda.
Meanwhile, Microsoft said an updated Windows client, ahead of Longhorn, is now off. In March, Microsoft confirmed it was working on a rumored project, XP Reloaded, but insisted this was a name given to a project that looked at ways of adding value to Windows XP.
Microsoft is now focused on delivering value in the form of Windows XP Service Pack (SP) 2, due this summer. SP2 turns on the Windows Firewall by default, includes safer e-mail and web browsing, a pop-up blocker and enhanced network protection, according to a Microsoft spokesperson.
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This article is based on material originally published by ComputerWire
