Operating Systems & Server Applications

Windows 2000 DataCenter Targeting High-End Unix Servers

In-depth look at the DataCenter market, technical features exclusive to the DataCenter version of Windows 2000, hardware manufacturer support, and prospects for success

XML Hooks SQL Server into Next-Generation Applications

XML-related improvements in SQL Server 2000 offer the first available in-depth look at Microsoft's upcoming Next Generation Windows Services application architecture

Windows 2000 Aims for Data Centers, Homes

At WinHEC, Microsoft outlined the release schedule for 64-Bit Windows, Windows 2000 Whistler, and Windows 2000 Embedded

"Back Door" in IIS Proves More Embarrassing Than Dangerous

'Netscape Engineers are Weenies!' text embedded within Microsoft code is not a secret password

In Brief: Windows 2000 Service Pack 1 Beta Released

The SP1 beta, now available to MSDN subscribers, contains reliability, compatibility, and security fixes as well as some new features

In Brief: Microsoft to integrate Biometrics API into Windows

The API technology acquired from I/O Software will provide Windows programmers with device-independent access to biometric devices

In Brief: Service Pack 6 for Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server ships

The service pack brings Terminal Server systems up to a patch level equivalent to that of NT 4.0 SP6

In Brief: Free upgrade for Small Business Server 4.5 available

This upgrade is required for all SBS 4.0 customers who wish to migrate to SBS 2000 later

Network & Internet Platforms

Microsoft Adopts Digital Rights Management Technology From Xerox Spinoff

The deal with ContentGuard will improve the ability of Microsoft's e-commerce platform to protect books, music, video, and software sold over the Internet

Kerberos Information Released

Newly released details on Windows 2000's implementation of Kerberos should help other vendors to interoperate

Development Tools & Programs

In Brief: Microsoft, IBM submit SOAP to W3C

Chances improve that SOAP, a platform-independent remote procedure call protocol and key element in the Windows DNA 2000 platform, will become an industry standard

In Brief: ActiveStore posts BizTalk document formats for retail

The formats describe how sales transactions and product prices should be represented in XML

Desktop Applications

In Brief: Office 2000 SR-1 patched

SR1a fixes a bug that caused browsing features to break on some Windows 2000 machines upgraded from Windows NT 4.0

In Brief: Office 2001 for Macintosh will include new email/PIM application

The first update since Office 98 for Macintosh is expected in the second half of 2000

In Brief: Encarta World English dictionary free on the Web

The online version at encarta.msn.com will help promote the CD-ROM product

Appliances & Embedded Systems

Pocket PC Takes on Palm

Runs the latest version of Windows CE; offers much stronger multimedia support than its Palm rival

In Brief: New optical mouse ships, optical trackballs planned

IntelliMouse Optical is the company's third optical mouse; Microsoft's first optical trackballs are scheduled for the fall

Commercial & Consumer Services

MSN Update

MSN and CAIS partner on a portal for hotel visitors; MSN offers free web folder storage; bCentral cuts Web hosting fees

In Brief: Microsoft, News Corp. invest in Web content syndication

iSyndicate, a distributor of news, sports, and other content, will adopt MS's streaming media technology as part of deal

In Brief: WebTV sets up e-mail marketing service

WebTV subscribers who sign-up receive regular e-mails with promotions and coupons from WebTV advertisers

Sales & Support

In Brief: Microsoft uses Passport for online help system

The new eSupport help system, created for Windows 2000 and Windows Me, uses Passport to identify users

In Brief: TechNet upgrades search engine, adds DVD

New engine supports searching by date; DVD subscription option delivers monthly mailing on a single disk

In Brief: Atlanta hosts Fusion 2000 Conference in July

This conference for channel partners will be held July 14-17, 2000

Corporate News

Microsoft Says DoJ’s Remedies Excessive

Asserting that its antitrust infractions merit only modest penalties, Microsoft proposed remedies that do little more than confirm the company's current business practices

Government Calls for Microsoft Breakup

The Department of Justice's proposed remedy for Microsoft's sins, breaking the company into two, leaves its monopolies intact but seriously threatens its long-term strategy

The Dust Settles on Microsoft’s Recent Major Reorganization

An in-depth look at all the changes that occurred in Microsoft's latest companywide reorganization, which transpired between late March and early May 2000

Quarterly Earnings Announced

Microsoft posted lower-than-expected revenues and warned that the next quarter will be flat

In Brief: Microsoft wins on Java copyright claims

The ruling settles one of four major issues of the suit in Microsoft's favor

In Brief: Insurance company balks at legal payouts

Zurich American Insurance Inc. says Microsoft's policy does not cover legal fees for the more than 135 class-action suits pending

In Brief: Microsoft gives all employees more stock options

Microsoft doubles the option package each employee received at their annual review in July 1999

In Brief: New perks target top talent

Top employees get large additional stock option grants and extra generous vacation policy