Mike Neil, General Manager, Virtualization Strategy at Microsoft, just posted an updated timeline for Microsoft Virtualization products on his blog.

In summary:

  • The first public beta of Windows Server virtualization, codenamed Viridian, will now be available in the second half of 2007.
  • Our goal remains to release Windows Server virtualization within 180 days of the release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows Server “Longhorn.”
  • Windows Server “Longhorn” remains on schedule, with a broad, public Beta 3 and the final release due in the first half and second half of this year, respectively.
  • The final release of Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 service pack 1 will be available in Q2 2007, not Q1, and a release candidate will be available by the end of April.

Virtually Yours