Microsoft Windows LE (previously known as Windows NET) beta testers recently came across bad news. Indeed Microsoft now requests them, for obscure reasons, to purchase new IA64 systems from a list of Microsoft certified OEM partners to get an official beta build 3505 of Windows LE 64bit even if they already own an Intel Itanium platform. In an email Mark Bias, a Microsoft representative, says: "You must purchase a new Itanium from the OEM to receive the Windows LE release (Build 3505). The OEM vendors are not allowed to sell to LE release. Thanks."

Microsoft beta testers, that are anxious to get their hands on the first 64 bits operating system, are very upset by this unprecedented situation. A long time tester testify: "One of my friends whom is working for a well known computer firm told me, they are actually forced to revert to a 32 bits version of the server so they can continue their debugging instructions, putting them in a very delicate situation. For myself I'm a bit disgusted by MSFT's attitude, that clearly oblige us to buy itanium based servers even if we already own some... Obscure reason ??? Spoooooooooooooky!"

Is this the begining of a new era where testers are required to buy new hardware to test beta software? Microsoft declined to give more explanations.