It's only 1 client license, but if you want to play with Windows Server 2008, here's a relatively cheap way of doing it.
The crowds attending Microsoft's rolling launch of Windows Server 2008 around the country are getting an incentive - a full version of the new OS.
It's only a single client access license, and Microsoft stressed to us it's an "evaluation" version, but if you want a play with the OS (minus the Hyper-V virtualisation component, which isn't included), this is your chance.
Microsoft claims the showbag, or "launch kit", is valued at over $2,500, and it also includes SQL Server 2008 CTP5 and a 90-day trial version of Visual Studio Team System 2008.
To get the software you'll need to register ($199 for individuals) and attend one of Microsoft's "Heroes Happen Here" launch events happening around Australia. The Sydney event is on today, and the Melbourne event kicks off on March 4 , then moves to Adelaide March 13, and continues through Perth (March 19), Brisbane (March 26) before finishing in Canberra on April 2.
One of the most talked about features of Server 2008, the Hyper-V virtualisation component, didn't make it into the launch release. According to Microsoft the final version is about 6 months away.
The Server 2008 platform will include several features that will appeal to the open source server community, including command prompts, and PHP support in IIS.
It will also be interesting to see if Microsoft can win over more of the Web server market - the company is claiming big performance gains processing Web requests with the new OS.
Server 2008 also includes Server Core, a stripped down version for a leaner install, which Microsoft hopes will make troubleshooting easier. Network Access Protection improves security with "hygiene" checks for remote PCs.