Update on Internet Explorer 7, Windows Vista, Office 2007 and Exchange Server "12"

I posted an entry a while back about the release of Internet Explorer 7, Windows Vista and Office 2007. I tried to summarize the information available at the time and I guess it's time to update all that info. Please note that this information on pre-release products (included estimated release dates) is subject to change without notice.

 Internet Explorer 7

The next browser from Microsoft, to be available as a download for Windows XP SP2 and included in Windows Vista.
Best link for general information: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie7/
Rough timeline: Announced in February/2005. Beta 1 released on July/2005. Beta 2 Preview released in January and updated in March during the MIX06 conference. Final release expected in H2CY06, around the time Windows Vista is released.
Pre-release version available publicly today? Yes, download from the URL above.
What can I do to evaluate now? Yes. Download and install the Beta 2 preview from the link above. Follow the IE blog at https://blogs.msdn.com/ie.
Next steps: Beta 2 should be available in the Q2CY06.

Windows Vista

The next client Operating System from Microsoft, the successor to Windows XP SP2, previously known by the codename Windows “Longhorn”.
Best link for general information: https://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista
Rough timeline: Developer preview released on September/2003. Beta 1 released on August/2005. Community Technology Previews (CTPs) released on December/2005 and February/2006. Final release expected in H2CY06. Volume license (businesses) availability in late 2006 and consumer availability (retail stores) in early 2007.
Pre-release version available today for download? Yes, download from MSDN.
What can I do to evaluate now? Read the extensive documentation available in the link above. Download and install the February/2006 CTP from MSDN.
Next steps: Beta 2 should be available in Q2CY06.

2007 Office System

The next Productivity Application Suite from Microsoft, the successor to Office 2003 SP2, previously known by the codename “Office 12”.
Best link for general information: https://www.microsoft.com/office/preview
Rough timeline: Beta 1 released on November/2005. Beta 1 Technical Refresh released in March during the Office Developer Conference. Final release expected in H2CY06. Volume license (businesses) availability in late 2006 and consumer availability (retail stores) in early 2007.
Pre-release version available today? No. The Beta 1 TR release was very restricted.
What can I do to evaluate now? Register to be notified of the Beta 2 release (link above).
Next steps: Beta 2 should be available in the Q2CY06.

Exchange Server “12”

The next Messaging and Collaboration Server from Microsoft, the successor to Exchange Server 2003 SP2.
Best link for general information: https://www.microsoft.com/exchange/preview
Rough timeline: Beta 1 released on December/2005. Community Technology Preview (CTP) released to MSDN on March/2006. Final release expected in 2007.
Pre-release version available today? Yes, download on MSDN.
What can I do to evaluate now? Download and install the CTP from MSDN. Follow the Exchange blog at https://blogs.technet.com/exchange.
Next steps: Beta 2 should be available later this year.

As you can probably imagine, new CTPs and Betas will become available over time. Please check the links referenced in this post for the most up-to-date information.