Microsoft has released the first public beta of Longhorn Server. Anyone interested in trying out Longhorn Server can get the Beta 3 bits here - 32-bit ISO / 64-bit ISO. The latest build follows on an unanticipated Community Technology Preview (CTP) build of Longhorn Server, which Microsoft made available earlier this month.What's new in the latest - and likely last - of the full-fledged Longhorn Server beta builds? On Microsoft's short list:

• A "Go Live" license for the integrated IIS 7.0 Web server: The IIS7 Go Live license allows users to host Web applications and .NET 3.0 Web services on Longhorn Beta 3 in live production environments.
• Integration of the Windows PowerShell scripting environment into Longhorn Server.
• Active Directory Federation Services improvements that allow users to implement new policies and make it easier to set up a relationship between trusted partners.
• Support for eight Server Core roles (instead of the four previously announced).
• Additional remote administration tools to provide a more integrated management environment. * Windows Firewall is now on by default.
• Network Access Protection (NAP) is integrated with Microsoft Update and Windows Update, allowing administrators to decide which updates are critical and set policies accordingly.