Operating Systems & Server Applications

Microsoft Announces the Next Generation Windows Services Initiative

Our first look at Microsoft's upcoming development platform overhall reviews the initiative's impetus, components, and implementation challenges

New Outlook Patch Prevents Spread of E-Mail-Based Viruses

Issued in response to the recent 'LoveBug' virus, the patch for Outlook 98 and Outlook 2000 blocks many types of file attachments and restricts Outlook's programming interfaces

Beta 2 of Windows 2000 Datacenter Server Ships

New details about packaging & licensing, hardware vendor certification, support requirements, and low-end fault-tolerant hardware configurations become available

Windows Me Hints at Future

A look at new technologies for improving reliability, exploiting simplified hardware, and setting up "unmanaged" networks that may show up in the next version of Windows 2000

Network & Internet Platforms

Comet Becomes Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000

A detailed look at the new proxy and cache capabilities in Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000 (formerly called Proxy Server); includes comparisons with competitor offerings

BizTalk Server Previews B2B Commerce Strategy

Describes the features and architecture of this upcoming application integration server for building B2B commerce systems; also explains where it fits in the market, and what additions to expect in the upcoming beta

Microsoft’s TV Platform Targets Markets Beyond Interactive TV

By evolving its TV platform to support voice, videoconferencing, and data, Microsoft hopes to sell high-end servers to telcos, cable companies, and satellite operators

Development Tools & Programs

SOAP Toolkit Previews NGWS Messaging

The toolkit provides a wizard and library for turning COM/COM+ applications into SOAP-enabled Web services, and for building client applications that use the services

Office Developers Get Exchange Workflow Tool

The tools introduce Microsoft's premier server products to developers who currently write desktop applications on top of Office

In Brief: Second digital dashboard kit available

The major new feature is support for 'Web parts' components that snap in to a dashboard

In Brief: Developer VP Tod Nielsen leaves Microsoft

Vice president of the Developer Marketing and Platforms Solutions Group will reportedly join a Seattle-based startup

Appliances & Embedded Systems

Deals Promote Pocket PC for Electronic Books

Microsoft has begun to line up publishers, distributors, and authoring tools for Microsoft Reader, its software for displaying and distributing books in electronic form

In Brief: Windows CE 3.0 ships for embedded systems

New capabilities include better real-time performance and support for the DCOM and Microsoft Message Queue protocols

Commercial & Consumer Services

New MSN Client Preview Released

Targeted at novice users, regardless of which Internet Access Provider they use, the client software is designed to compete with AOL on ease-of-use

In Brief: CarPoint acquires Driveoff.com

The acquisition will give CarPoint users the ability to purchase automobiles online

In Brief: MSN Invests $90 Million In Asia

Most of the funds will be invested in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan to increase MSN brand awareness and to provide new localized versions of MSN services

Corporate News

Breakup Order Heads for Appeals Court

As expected, Judge Jackson has ordered Microsoft broken in two, with strict constraints on its conduct. Even under optimal circumstances the full appeals process would not likely conclude before 2002

Microsoft Courts CEOs at Summit

Gates urges some of the world's top business leaders to get ready for the 'Third Stage' of the Internet

In Brief: Legal briefs fly in antitrust appeals

The circuit court said it is not only willing to hear the appeal, but will do so with all of its eligible judges (rather than the more common three-judge panel)

In Brief: EU questions Telewest buy

The Commission fears Microsoft will use the Telewest stake, acquired as part of the US$5 billion investment in ATT, to shut out competition for cable set-top and operations software

In Brief: Microsoft South African office bombed

Police said they have no motive or suspects in the blast, which caused no injuries

In Brief: Gates endorses trade with China

Constructive change will be the result of increased economic and cultural interaction with the country, Gates believes