For the third time since the product entered beta testing, Microsoft has pushed back the release of Windows .NET Server 2003. The news was delivered at COMDEX Fall 2002, where testers expected Redmond to debut Release Candidate 2. But RC2 has been moved to December, and the final release of Microsoft's next-generation Windows server will not hit store shelves until April 2003.

Windows .NET Server was originally on a concurrent release track with Windows XP. Microsoft planned to ship a final build before 2001 drew to a close, but the release was moved to early 2002 when development fell behind. Release to manufacturing was again rescheduled last April to the end of this year due to delays caused by a security review. The new timeline now places RTM in early 2003.

"We're putting the finishing touches on the product and getting it out to our top customers and industry partners for final testing," said senior vice president of the Windows Division, Brian Valentine. "When we release Windows .NET Server 2003, it will be rock-solid. It's the foundation through which Microsoft solutions connect information, people, systems and devices; the engineering team is well aware of how critical this release will be and is working hard to deliver the level of quality, security enhancements and performance our customers expect."

Just as it did with Release Candidate 1, Microsoft will make Windows .NET Server 2003 RC2 available to customers free of charge through a preview program. By openly distributing pre-release versions of the operating system, Microsoft hopes businesses will be more prepared to adopt the new server when a final release is shipped.

Microsoft also debuted at COMDEX the final beta of Visual Studio .NET 2003. Code-named Everett, the development suite will ship alongside Windows .NET Server 2003 next April. Visual Studio .NET 2003 focuses on improving reliability, stability, security and performance, says Microsoft. MSDN subscribers may download the final beta of Everett, which weighs in at 4GB.

"Our 2003 wave of products provides a consistent programming model for applications from devices to datacenter servers, enabling developers to focus on solving their unique business problems," said Eric Rudder, Microsoft's senior vice president for the Developer and Platform Evangelism Division.