Windows Server Longhorn Beta 3 is now publically available! You can download it directly via TechNet or MSDN. Both methods require you to logon within your Windows Live ID (formerly Passport) and register to download the beta. You can also request a DVD, but I think shipping charges may apply. You can also download Beta 3 via the online TechNet or MSDN Library subscription, but as of today (April 25, 2007) the final Beta 3 has yet to be published (right now only the Escrow build is available).

Another exciting piece of news is the availability of a "Go Live" license to run IIS 7 with Beta 3 in production!!  For more details on this, please visit: http://www.iis.net/default.aspx?tabid=79 

Here is a video from the product team (entertainment and not sales or technical): http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0704/29897/Beta_3_Video_2_MBR.asx

Here are some resources for Longhorn on TechNet: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/beta/lhs/resources.mspx

BTW, I recommend that you print and read the following whitepaper on Longhorn while enjoying some coffee in the park (or something): http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsserver/longhorn/evaluate/whitepaper.mspx

For developers, there is a cool "The .NET Show" episode focused on Windows Server Longhorn: http://msdn.microsoft.com/theshow/episode.aspx?xml=theshow/en/Episode058/manifest.xml

You can also take a quick spin around Longhorn Server using a free online Virtual Lab. Currently (April 25, 2007), only Beta 2 bits are available. I'd give it a week to see the new Beta 3 virtual labs (my opinion and not an official MS statement): http://www.microsoft.com/technet/traincert/virtuallab/longhorn.mspx

My Top favorite features in Windows Server longhorn (learn more about these in the whitepaper previously mentioned):

• Read-Only Active Directory Domain Controller
• Virtualization (not available within Beta 3 release)
• Terminal Services Gateway and Web Access
• Server Core
• IIS 7 (All of it!!!)
• Network Access Protection