Microsoft puts Longhorn on the desktop, Blackcomb on the server

Likewise, the Windows release following Longhorn, code-named Blackcomb, will be server-only. While the company has not announced an official release date for Longhorn, the time table for its release hasn't changed, Microsoft said. This means Longhorn will arrive in 2004 or 2005, depending on which Microsoft official you believe.

"Customer requirements dictate our release strategies and timing for Windows products," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

"Customers have asked that we map our server releases more closely to how they can consume and implement advances and innovations we deliver. Given the deployment cycles and budgeting that customers work through, and given the significant customer interest in our upcoming release of Windows .NET Server 2003, we have determined that another major release of Windows Server in the Longhorn client timeframe does not meet the needs of most of our customers.

“Another major release of Windows Server will follow Windows .NET Server 2003; it is code named Blackcomb. We do not have a firm release date at this time, [but] Microsoft will determine a release timeframe based on what customers tell us they require."

Though details are still unclear, Longhorn will include a new 3D-based user interface with interactive video, a SQL Server-based file system called Windows Future Storage (WinFS), and a MSN 8-like Start Menu addition called the Sidebar.