Microsoft today released RC1 of Windows Server 2003 SP1. Also released at the same time was their Windows XP x64 Edition tech beta.

Among the changes to the server service pack, the Security Configuration Wizard has been reworked and significantly enhanced, with lots of new server roles and ability to more significantly lock down a Windows 2003 server.

Windows Server 2003 SP1 RC1 includes the host of new networking features included with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and provides additional features and enhancements to support server services and operations. Also, support for network access quarantine control appears to have been added - a much anticipated feature that will allow an administrative examination of the client computer accessing the network remotely. If the client computer meets the required security standards, it is released from quarantine and granted access to the secured network. If not, it is denied access and is held in the quarantine zone network.

It's a beta - not yet intended for prime-time or production use, but worth a look, especially if you run secure Windows servers. The RC1 package is available for download at the site linked above.