A public beta of the next Windows client OS, code-named Longhorn and now officially named Windows Vista, will be available on Aug. 3, 2005, along with a closed beta of the next full release of Windows Server (still code-named Longhorn Server). For hardware vendors, software vendors, and corporate developers, this will be the first opportunity to begin evaluating Longhorn after a series of 2004 changes to the product's planned features.

Under current plans, Windows Vista will deliver improved file system search similar to that offered by the Windows Desktop Search from MSN, additional tightening of security, and image-based installation to simplify mass deployments. It will also deliver the new WinFX API set, including the Avalon 3D-enabled graphics and user interface system.

The hardware requirements for Vista are still not clear, but more information on the final feature set should be made at the Professional Developers Conference (PDC) in Sept. 2005. Final delivery of Windows Vista is still scheduled for late 2006, with Longhorn Server due in 2007. The Windows Vista beta will be available through TechNet and MSDN. Further details will be posted at www.microsoft.com/windowsvista.