Microsoft Invites Beta Testers for 'R2'

Microsoft is taking the holiday break to give thanks to its Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 beta testers, inviting selected participants to test the next Windows Server release code-named "R2." R2 is slated to be a fairly minor interim release between SP1 and Longhorn Server, which is not expected until 2007.

"Due to the outstanding contributions you made during the recent Windows SP1 beta, the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Beta Team would to extend the opportunity to participate in the upcoming "R2" beta program," Microsoft beta coordinators wrote in an e-mail to testers.

Microsoft also outlined basic details of R2 in the invitation. "The core of this release is built on the Windows Server 2003 SP1 platform and adds optionally-installable components that our customers have requested. This beta will all incorporate a number of key features that are of interest to customers who want to take advantage of new technologies available in the next release of Microsoft Windows Server 2003."

Some of the features slated for R2 include: Microsoft's "TrustBridge," or Active Directory Federation Services; Rights Management Server; version 2 of SharePoint Portal Services; Network File System (NFS) support; and Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM).

In order to ensure a timely release, Microsoft has also dropped a number of planned features from R2. Network Access Protection security functions and updates to Windows Terminal Services are chief among the additions that will not make the cut.