Windows Server 8 beta coming February 29

Ben Rubenstein — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:31:30 +0000

In addition to unveiling the Windows 8 Consumer Preview at a February 29 event during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Microsoft will also launch the Windows Server 8 beta on that day, according to The Verge. Some application certification documentation is available on MSDN, including a note that Windows Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2 applications “should work” on the Windows Server 8 beta (an app certification kit is also available, though it won’t be useful until you already have your hands on either the Consumer Preview or the beta).

Also coming on February 29 will be the Visual Studio 11 beta. The developer software will feature integration with Microsoft System Center 2012, which should enable more efficient communication between administrators and developers when responding to program crashes. Microsoft will also release the .Net 4.5 beta next week.

In delivering these beta releases, Microsoft has the core pieces in place for many of its cloud, management, and development strategies. It remains to be seen how the timing of these releases will affect the eventual delivery of the final code, and whether all the products will be available by the end of 2012.

What are you looking forward to the in the Windows Server 8 beta? Let us know in the comments, or on Twitter @WindowsTT.

The Windows Server Notebook » Visual Studio 11

Windows Server 8 beta coming February 29