NAP Update for Vista, XP, Windows Server 2003 and Longhorn Server

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I haven't blogged in a while, so I wanted to give everyone a NAP "update".

First, Windows Vista is going to rock! We are so close to the end it is palpable. It has turned out really great and I am proud to say that I have worked on it. I personally have about 4-5 years invested in it. I really hope the world loves it!

Second, I get a ton of questions every week about how/when NAP will be available to the world. I want to draw a clear picture of how NAP will release over the next year:

NAP Client:

  1. Vista - available "out-of-the-box" and installed by default on every SKU (though the service is set to "manual" start until you deploy policy that enables it).
  2. XP - will be available via Windows Update before the release of Longhorn Server. A limited Beta is available now (see below).
  3. Windows Server 2003 - will be available via Windows Update before the release of Longhorn Server.

In fact, you can try out XP NAP right now, if you are an active member of the Vista / Longhorn Server Beta Program. Here is the MSConnect download link for the Beta 2 version we released on July 12th, 2006.

Some other cool news, never before discussed publicly. We are adding 802.1x NAP Client support to XP for both Wireless and Wired connections. I am really excited about offering this to customers on both Vista and now XP. I hope to release a Beta of this functionality in early 2007. This brings the XP NAP Client into full parity with Vista supporting IPsec, DHCP, VPN and now 802.1x.

And finally, the NAP Server will only be available on Longhorn Server, when it releases next year. I hope to see the Beta Program open to a wider audience of IT Pros in the coming year so more people can get their hands of NAP.

As always, feel free to email me. Don't be surprised if it takes me a couple days to reply though. :->

Cheers!

Jeff Sigman
NAP Release Manager
Jeff.Sigman@online.microsoft.com *
https://blogs.technet.com/nap

* Remove the "online" to actually email me.
** This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.