It was nearly a foregone conclusion that Microsoft would release a new version of Windows Server in the "Longhorn" timeframe. Today, Microsoft execs ended all speculation and said such a product is, indeed, on the books. But Redmond is still hedging as to when it will ship. Officials say a new Windows Server will hit in about three years (2006, for you math-challenged). But Longhorn client is supposedly due in 2005. Read more on what Microsoft said on Longhorn Server here. And check out what Chairman Gates told attendees of the company's annual Financial Analyst Meeting here.