Speaking today at the Microsoft Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2006, Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates announced the immediate availability of beta 2 versions of Windows Vista™, the 2007 Microsoft® Office system and the next version of Windows Server™, code-named Windows Server “Longhorn.” It is the first time that Microsoft has simultaneously released the test versions of all three of the company’s flagship products.

Gates also shared new details on the Windows Server virtualization front. Microsoft’s hypervisor-based solution is on track to be available with the upcoming Windows Server “Longhorn” operating system. Microsoft anticipates having a beta release of Windows Server virtualization by the end of 2006 and plans to release to manufacturing (RTM) within 180 days of Windows Server “Longhorn” RTM.

Gates also announced plans for Microsoft to release a beta version of a Windows Live software development kit (SDK) this summer, to enable partners to develop devices — ranging from webcams to headsets — that work with live services either through the PC or directly through the Windows Live network. More information about hardware development for Windows Live services can be found at http://dev.live.com/hardware.

Today Microsoft is also announcing the beta 2 version of WinFX® and the corresponding Go-Live license, both available to developers on MSDN. WinFX is a core part of the Windows Vista operating system that enables developers to rapidly build modern applications that feature visually stunning user experiences, seamless and secure communication, and resilience to change.