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Microsoft Releases Windows Server '8' Beta

Microsoft on Thursday rolled out the next release of its Windows Sever "8" beta.

March 1, 2012

Microsoft is having a busy week. The company on Wednesday , and today announced that it's rolling out the Windows Server "8" beta, the latest release of its updated server operating system.

Microsoft said that Windows Server 8 offers "thousands of new features and enhancements for transforming virtualization and cloud computing to help you reduce IT costs and deliver more business value." The system includes "exciting innovations in areas of virtualization, networking, storage, user experience, and a transition to Windows PowerShell to take scripting to a whole new level."

Microsoft claims it is perhaps "the most significant release" of the Windows Server system ever. Windows Server "8" beta is available for download on TechNet. Stay tuned for a hands on from PCMag.

In the meantime, check out PCMag's of Windows Server 8, which our lead analyst for networking, Samara Lynn called arguably the "most wide-sweeping update to the OS since Server 2000 from NT 4.0."

"The changes are not in the overall interface (except for Server Manager and AD), but under-the-hood boosts and advancements and virtualization, clustering, Active Directory management, networking, and just about every other capability in Windows Server," she said.

Also take a look at .

The updated Windows 8 preview is also available for download as of yesterday via preview.windows.com. Microsoft unveiled the Windows 8 preview in Barcelona during , where Redmond is also pushing its Windows Phone platform. On stage at an MWC press event, Windows chief Steven Sinofsky called this a "bold re-imagining of Windows."

For more, see , and the slideshow below.