Microsoft has acknowledged today that Windows Server 2008 won't be ready to ship by the end of the year as planned.

It's like the 1980s English synthpop band Naked Eyes was singing for you, Microsoft. You made me promises, promises / knowing I'd believe.

"...Windows Server 2008, which we have been saying would Release to Manufacturing (RTM) by the end of the calendar year, is now slated to RTM in the first quarter of calendar year 2008."

The blog entry explains that they need more time "to meet the high quality bar that our customers and partners deserve and respect."

Or if you prefer a free-form metaphor, "It's like a brisket," program manager, Alex Hinrichs said. "I[t] just needs a little more time to bake."

Microsoft, for its part, has been "super jazzed" about Windows Server 2008 for ages — but has bumbled over the release dates it set. Previously, the OS was due on February 27, 2008, having been pushed back from the end of 2007.

In February, Microsoft COO Kevin Turner promised a February event in Los Angeles heralded as their "biggest single day of launches in Microsoft history." There, Microsoft was supposed to put Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 on the table. Despite that date quickly looking dicey for the other programs, the Windows Server team had — until now — stuck to its guns.

Is the party ruined? Apparently not. Microsoft will still hold the LA launch event in February, featuring Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008. Just don't expect to get your grubby mitts on anything. Consider it a very liberal use of the word "launch." ®

Related stories

• Microsoft delays SQL Server 2008 release again (28 January 2008)
• Windows Server 2008 to come in 8 flavors (12 November 2007)
• Microsoft product groups back off February 'big bang' (17 July 2007)
• Analysis Microsoft details Dynamics Live CRM (13 July 2007)
• WPC Microsoft promises VMware beater despite reversals (11 July 2007)
• WPC Microsoft vows to bark like a dog for you in 2008 (10 July 2007)
• Windows Server 2008 CTP packs IIS punch (28 June 2007)
• Microsoft clarifies Windows Server virtual licensing (13 June 2007)