Microsoft shows off server and desktop Windows 8 versions at the BUILD 2011 conference-- and developers can now get preview builds of both to test out.
Windows Server 8 aims for the cloud-- it similar to Windows Azure, but is for private cloud use handling tens or hundreds of virtual machines.
Writing on the official developer blog, VP Bill Laing says "Windows Server 8 will be a big leap forward, especially in terms of helping IT organizations progress beyond virtualization to build private cloud services”.
It now includes the more scaleable Hyper-V 3 handling virtualisation, and 3 new GUI modes designed for remote server administration.
Developers can also download the Windows 8 Desktop preview build-- now closer to tablets than ever, thanks to the tile-based Metro UI.
So close, that 5000 BUILD attendees got free Windows 8 Samsung tablets in an obvious gesture against Apple.
