It’s been years in the making, but Microsoft’s next server platform is finally in the stretch run and while it doesn’t appear revolutionary, it’s looking like the final release will deliver a grab bag of goodies to users looking to ease management, network and security issues.

But it isn’t all good news since Microsoft released in April the Beta 3 of Longhorn, now officially known as Windows Server 2008.

Gone from the planned final release by the end of 2007 are highly touted virtualization capabilities, designed to move users onto the next level with the white-hot technology. Virtualization was originally suppose to be baked into the server but will ship separately within 180 days of the server’s final release. On top of that, in May Microsoft cut three features from what is now called Windows Server Virtualization, including a highly anticipated live migration option.

Even though users will have to wait for those capabilities, the Longhorn Beta 3 is feature complete, according to Microsoft, and comes with enough new features that IT executives will be forced to make a list of must-haves before they begin rollouts.