Microsoft did, as expected, release Windows Server 2003 to manufacturing on Friday, paving the way for its April 24 launch of the product. The company announced that it has released the 64-bit 2003 version of its Windows XP product to manufacturing, as well.

But during a phone call with press and analysts to announce the release-to-manufacturing (RTM) milestone, company officials declined to clarify further how and when add-ons to the base product - not to mention follow-on Windows versions - will roll out.

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