Windows Server 2012 released to manufacturing!

Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for.  I’m proud to announce that Windows Server 2012 has been released to manufacturing.  That means the final code is complete and we are delivering it to our hardware and software vendor partners this week.  We will also make the software available to our volume licensing customers in the next couple of weeks.

Get out your calendars and free up some time on September 4.  That’s when Windows Server 2012 will be generally available for evaluation and purchase by all customers around the world.  On that day we will also host an online launch event where our executives, engineers, customers and partners will share more about how Windows Server 2012 can help organizations of all sizes realize the benefits of what we call the Cloud OS.  You will be able to learn more about the features and capabilities and connect with experts and peers.  You’ll also be able to collect points along the way for the chance to win some amazing prizes. You don’t want to miss it.  Visit this site to save the date for the launch event.

On behalf of the Windows Server engineering team, I can tell you it has been a thrill and honor for us to deliver this product.  Most importantly, we thank the many thousands of you who have provided your input and guidance throughout the process of designing and building it.  So far the hands-on feedback on the product from you, industry analysts and press has been phenomenally positive.  I attribute that to the fact that, from the outset, we committed ourselves to building Windows Server 2012 around the needs and goals of our customers and partners.  It feels great to ship software that so squarely addresses customer objectives, both in the here and now and in the future.