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Let's be clear about one thing: Windows Server 8 is a major release. 300+ features and a big architectural change seems mind-blowing (and also scary) for CTOs and admins in charge of managing hundreds of servers. We're dealing with heavily modified fundamentals here. Existing server technologies, roles and features have been expanded; with a big emphasis on cloud, servicing and simplified automation/management. Oh and by the way, Microsoft moved the obviously cloud-focused Azure team into the same organization, which should speak for itself.

So where are we on the roadmap?

Microsoft explained to us that the planning for Windows Server 8 began 16 months ago and (as of Mid-September) they're nearing the end of the development phase, which isn't quite as finished as I originally thought. Although they didn't talk specifics, I expect a beta of both the server and client at the end of the year and a release candidate in early 2012, with a release to manufacturing sometime in April or May. Again, Microsoft is at the end of the development and feedback stage, in which they performed 6000+ customer requirements and more than 26,000 customer surveys to find out and evaluate what businesses want. Bill Laing made it clear that they've tried hard to listen to customers this time and not overpromise and underdeliver (hello, Vista). So what's in store? Let's dig in to the absolute highlights of the reviewers workshops.