One of the things we get asked a lot is when Longhorn Server will be released and when people will be able to get their hands on a new pre-release build. In fact, as Patrick mentions below, this was also a frequently asked question for Jim Allchin, co-president of our Platforms, Products and Services division, when he met with journalists, bloggers and analysts this week, so we thought it was time to put our cards on the table.

The only time we've done any kind of "semi-public" preview release was when we distributed Build 5219 to PDC attendees last September. In addition, customers who are part of our Technical Beta program also got to see Build 5270 in December. We do provide more regular drops to OEMs, partners and Technology Adoption Program customers, but they are private programs.