Microsoft is still suffering from the Vista syndrome and therefore it plans to release Windows Server 2008 eight (more or less) different flavors.

According to Microsoft, all versions but the Ithanium (strictly 64-bit) will be made available in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions. Also, the Hyper-V (Microsoft’s server virtualization technology) is not mandatory on three of the editions, thus turning them $28 cheaper:

– Windows Server 2008 Standard: $999 ( 5 Client Access Licenses)
– Windows Server 2008 Enterprise: $3,999 ( 25 Client Access Licenses)
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter: $2,999 (per processor)
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems: $2,999 (per processor)
Windows Web Server 2008: $469
Windows Server 2008 Standard without Hyper-V: $971 (5 Client Access Licenses)
Windows Server 2008 Enterprise without Hyper-V: $3,971 (25 Client Access Licenses)
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter without Hyper-V: $2,971 (per processor)

Needless to say, Microsoft also plans to turn Hyper-V Server into a standalone offer, incidentally priced at $28.

The exact release has been set for the 27th of the month.