Microsoft plans to name its forthcoming 'Longhorn' server operating system 'Windows Server 2008'. 

The same 'Longhorn' codename was used for the Windows Vista desktop operating system when it was under development.

'Windows Server 2008' is expected to be officially unveiled later this week at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference in Los Angeles.

The company mistakenly disclosed the name on a website for the event. A site for Microsoft France last week posted the Windows Server 2008 logo. Microsoft has since removed all references to the new brand.

The name hardly comes as a surprise. Windows Server 2008 replaces the '2003' branded product. The software is due out in the second half of this year.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.