This afternoon, in response to an inquiry regarding the included features of Longhorn Server Beta 1 (LSB1), a Microsoft spokesperson gave Tom's Hardware Guide some initial background information regarding technologies to be represented in Longhorn Server. Later this evening, another spokesperson offered a clarification to this list, stating it would not necessarily reflect the feature set of Beta 1, but would reflect the final release edition of the new server edition of Windows, whenever that may be released.

The features list provided to us includes Network Access Protection, a new policy compliance platform currently being tested for Windows Server 2003. In addition, the list presented additional points which the new system will address. This list includes "streamlined and task-oriented management" including event logging, image-based setup, and a scalable Web application platform; "increased infrastructure robustness" including Network Access protection and a so-called "transactional file system and registry;" and "enhanced end user productivity," including enhancements to Terminal Server, collaboration, and cross-organizational rights management.