Thanks, Bink, for this scoop......
Inside info on Windows 2003
I have some exclusive info on the last stages of Windows 2003.
ESCROW is final stage where Microsoft deploys the build on their own production servers
Windows Server 2003 Build 3757
This build was NOT meant to be published, but Microsoft Dev Team badly wanted to release a new feature for public testing - ?IE Hardening?
Basically, it?s a policy that you set for the server, and it makes Internet Explorer only reach sites listed in ?Trusted Sites?.
Windows Server 2003 Build 3760
Targeted for ESCROW, this was first targeted as ?the final RC build?. A few problems surfaced and id did not make it.
Windows Server 2003 Build 3763
New build targeted for ESCROW, to be ?final RC build? to go public. Build 3763 is the last one to have public BETA RC PID.
Starting with Build 3764 real PID?s apply. Old BETA-keys do not apply.
Windows Server 2003 Build 3764
Finalized Thursday and publish Friday morning, this is the same as build 3763 but has the new ?full? shipping PID?s. Otherwise it?s identical to 3763.
Windows Server 2003 Build 3765
Targeted for 2003-02-07, published 2003-02-08 and ESCROW, intended as RTM/GOLDEN. Minor changes compared to 3764.
The final build number will differ from 3765, but if build 3765 is stable ? survives testing without showstoppers ? it?s the code in this build that will be ?golden?.
No new code will be checked in after this date, if not a ?showstopper?.
RTM
Time is critical. With the commitment of launch the 24th of April (boxes in stores), Microsoft has to RTM the code March 12, 2003.
The code that is RTM has to survive about 15 days of ESCROW before RTM.
Important Dates
April 23, 2003 Release of GPMC
April 24, 2003 Launch of Windows Server 2003 in USA
May 1, 2003 Release of ADS (Automated Deployment Services)
May 12, 2003 Release of ADAM (AD Application Mode)
RTM + 90 days Release of Metadirectory Service
June 2, 2003 Release of SharePoint Services
June 15, 2003 Release of Real Time Services
June 15, 2003 Release of Digital Rights Management
Source: Bink Windows XP