Operating Systems & Server Applications

Windows 2000: Executing An Incremental Migration

A detailed discussion of key issues to consider: hardware and software compatibility, deployment, ongoing management, licensing, and training

Amateur Bug-Finders Challenge Microsoft Testing

Two European programmers consistently find bugs; their success points to vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Internet-related products

In Brief: Windows ME beta 3 released to testers

A final version of this consumer operating system is expected to be on new systems by late summer

In Brief: Services for Unix 2.0 will ship in May

Adds support for Windows 2000; provides a more extensive set of protocols and utilities than predecessor

Security Update

A summary of significant security patches issued between Mar. 16, 2000 and Apr. 7, 2000

In Brief: SQL Server SP2 released

Service Pack 2 rolls up numerous performance and tools fixes and closes some security holes

n Brief: Installing 128-bit encryption might disable logins on Windows 2000

The problem is caused by an error in the Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK) documentation

Network & Internet Platforms

Microsoft Pledges Support for IPv6

Initial support for this major upgrade to the Internet's standard communications protocol comes in the form of a "technical preview" for developers

Windows Media 7 Plays Catch With RealNetworks

The latest version of Microsoft's digital media platform, to be incorporated into Windows ME, poses a greater threat to RealNetworks' core businesses

In Brief: Microsoft acquires Japan's #2 cable company

The 60% stake in Titus is the first time Microsoft has bought a majority interest in a cable company

In Brief: AT&T joins Microsoft/BT wireless services alliance

Microsoft will provide the software platform for wireless services on the two carrier's networks

In Brief: New tool helps secure Windows 2000 Web servers

Tool addresses a limited cross section of security issues, including disabling ports associated with unused services

In Brief: IE 5 for Macintosh ships

Replacement for IE 4.5 includes some Macintosh-specific features

Development Tools & Programs

In Brief: Beta Exchange 2000 SDK available for developers

SDK includes libraries, sample applications, and documentation for building collaboration and knowledge management apps

In Brief: New Web site updates Office code library

The site provides Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code samples for developers

In Brief: XML parser updated

Fixes bugs and implements a larger subset of the XML style sheet standards than previous version

Desktop Applications

Project 2000 Extends Team Management Capabilities

Team members can now access and update project status via their browser rather than having to install the full version of Project

MapPoint GIS Software Extended

The updated geographic information system (GIS) could help Microsoft crack this lucrative US$845 million market

In Brief: Office 2000 SR-1 fixes some bugs, creates others

The new Service Release 1 fixes numerous bugs but disables Office on some systems; new version of SR-1 planned

In Brief: Microsoft integrates Visio into Office product line

Visio, acquired last fall, has been integrated into Microsoft's distribution channels, volume licensing programs, and Web site

In Brief: PhotoDraw/Front Page 2000 bundle available

Promotional bundle combines tools to create and publish both textual and graphical Web content

Tax Software Dropped in H&R Block Deal

Microsoft dumps its TaxSaver product and instead promotes H&R Block's software and Web-based tax preparation services

Desktop Products Shipping

Baseball 2001, Allegiance, Links LS 2000 10-Course Pack Volume 1, and Streets and Trips 2001 now available

Appliances & Embedded Systems

Windows 2000 Powers Web Server Appliances

New Web server appliances offered by IBM and Dell give Microsoft a compelling entry to compete against Linux in the growing Web server market

CE-based Terminals Get New Browser and OS

Terminals will support the latest enhancements in Windows 2000 Terminal Services and be able to access Web-based applications directly

Commercial & Consumer Services

"Internet Keywords" Promise to Simplify Web Search

Microsoft purchases interest in RealNames; plans to incorporate RealNames' Internet Keyword technology into IE and MSN

MSN Extends Mobile Data Services

The addition of two-way Web data transfer puts the service on par with competitor's offerings

HomeAdvisor Spin-Off Aims to Service Realty Industry

Microsoft forms online realty joint venture rather than go it alone; IPO planned; existing MSN HomeAdvisor site incorporated into venture

MSN Gets New Latin American Portals; But Not in Brazil

New Spanish-language MSN portal launched; plan for a similar Portuguese-language joint venture falls through

In Brief: MSN offers 6 months free access

The promotion underlines Microsoft's renewed commitment to its Internet access business

Sales & Support

In Brief: New licensing terms announced

Simplifications to the Microsoft Open License Program (MOLP) makes it easier for low volume customers to qualify for discounts

In Brief: Exchange 2000 Server Hands-On-Training Labs now available

Three-hour technical sessions on Exchange 2000 will be held across the US from the end of May through the end of June

In Brief: Compaq Presario PCs to promote MSN Internet access, services

During system setup, a co-branded version of MSN Internet access will be featured more prominently than other access

In Brief: TechNet adds volunteer helpers to Windows 2000 discussion forum

800 volunteers will help answer questions posted on TechNet forum

Corporate News

Major Reorganization Geared For Integrated Business Solutions

The latest reorganization, still in progress, touches most corners of the company and significantly changes marketing and product development directions

Microsoft Found Guilty In Antitrust Trial

Settlement talks collapse; company guilty of violating Sherman Antitrust Act; judge attempts to expedite a final judgment; civil lawsuits looming