Alongside the December CTP of Windows Vista, Microsoft has released build 5270 of Windows Server "Longhorn." Both operating systems are available on the same DVD image. Although development is currently in line with the client build, the next Windows Server won't be ready until 2007.

It's not yet clear when Microsoft will split off development, but Windows Vista is expected to reach the feature-complete Beta 2 milestone in February, well before Windows Server "Longhorn." In addition to build 5270, Microsoft has also released a new Platform SDK and Driver Development Kit for its next-generation operating systems.