Microsoft confirms Windows Server update

Microsoft has revealed that it will release additional upgrades to Windows Server 2003 to fill the gap created by the delayed release of its next-generation Longhorn server operating system.

The software giant announced that it would deliver ongoing upgrades to Windows Server customers.

"We have a number of technology updates to Windows Server 2003 [some have shipped, like WSS, some are coming] that provide significant additional value," Microsoft said in a statement.

"It is likely that Microsoft will deliver an update to Windows Server 2003 that makes it easy for customers to take advantage of new technology on this platform."

The announcement comes amid mounting criticism over continued delays to the shipment of Longhorn.

In 2001, Microsoft promised that the platform would ship in late 2004, but subsequently admitted that it was likely to be delayed until the second half of 2005.

Redmond refused to be drawn on the timings and precise nature of forthcoming upgrades.

"Because we are still engaged in this process, and cannot provide details on naming, packaging, etc this far in advance, we have no further information at this time," it said.

However, Mark Blowers, senior research director at analyst Butler Group, suggested that likely areas for Windows Server 2003 upgrades include security and identity management.

"2003 was not a massive upgrade, so there are still things that can be done," he said.

"Security is an area which you can always improve upon, and looking at the things that have happened in the past year it is likely to be a focus."

Blowers added that Microsoft was also likely to make improvements in the upgrades for ID access and management systems.

"Other vendors are moving towards automation technology, so Microsoft could be looking at this too," he said.