February 4, Microsoft has announced they have Released Windows Server 2008 to Manufacturing. The features of Windows Server 2008 have not changed since RC1 was released but has been stablized for a prodcution environment. This does not mean that Windows Server 2008 is yet avaialable for purchase or upgrade. This means that the code and testing has been complete. The code will be released to be pressed onto media, packaged for delivery, and readied for the Volume License customers through the many channels Microsoft uses to deliver software.

Windows Server 2008 brings a lot of enhancements to the Windows Server platform including improved security, performance, much improved Web Services trough IIS, and new Virtualization technologies to name a few. 

Windows Server 2008 has NAP (Network Access Protection) technology to increase the security ofthe internal network from unsecured and unpatched workstations. This inludes PC’s connecting over wireless technology or through VPN and other means.

Windows Server Terminal Services now includes TS Web Access Portal so users can access their application securily over the Internet without having to VPN in. TS enhancements also include the ability to natively publish applications to users and not having to deliver a complete TS desktop.

Windows Hyper-V is the new virtualization technology which uses Hypervisor technology to provide high performanace, and highly reliable machine virtualization on a single host. This will reduce hardware and power consumption costs in the data center.

Windows Server 2008 media and installation bits will likeley be available sometime in March, just as Vista Service Pack 1 will be made available then.

The Microsoft TechNet TechLibrary has been updated with the Windows Server 2008 documentation library.