Operating Systems & Server Applications

SQL Server 2000 Steers Toward Enterprise

The Enterprise Edition of Microsoft's new database software takes on performance, downtime, and management concerns that have slowed its entry into the data center

Exchange 2000 Released

Contrasts the two editions of the product--Exchange 2000 Server and Exchange 2000 Enterprise Server--and provides pricing & licensing details

Host Integration Server 2000 Released to Manufacturing

The changing requirements for legacy host integration, the approach competitors are taking, and how HIS 2000 integrates MS’s Windows DNA architecture with legacy IBM systems

Windows Update Corporate Site Goes Live

The new site makes it much easier to find and download updates and add-ins for Win 2000, NT 4.0, and Win 9x

In Brief: NT 4.0 Terminal Services Discontinued

As a first step in phasing out the product, NT 4.0 Terminal Services Edition is no longer available in the retail channel

Network & Internet Platforms

IE Patch Highlights Privacy Efforts

A new IE 5.5 beta provides "cookie" management features that give users control over how sites track their use of the Internet, but other security & privacy concerns remain

Delay Threatens Set-Top Win

Europe's largest cable operator has publicized delays in Microsoft's TV software and has chosen Microsoft competitor Liberate for a trial of interactive TV services

In Brief: FrontPage Server Extensions Updated

FrontPage 2000 Server Extensions Service Release (SR) 1.2 is now available for both the Windows and Unix platforms

In Brief: New site covers e-commerce best practices

The site provides an annotated index to papers on building and managing e-commerce Web sites and applications

Development Tools & Programs

In Brief: Speech SDK 5.0 Beta

The beta SDK supports the latest version of the Windows Speech API which is simpler and more fault-tolerant than its predecessor but not backward-compatible

Desktop Applications

Desktop Products Shipping

A number of new PC peripheral hardware devices, games, reference titles, and productivity products are now available

In Brief: Two versions of Money 2001 reach stores

The Standard and Deluxe Editions of Microsoft's personal financial management software are shipping

In Brief: Amazon Chooses Reader EBooks

Microsoft Reader will be the preferred format for Amazon.com's planned electronic-book store

In Brief: eLabor to extend, host Project

eLabor, a privately-held project management ISV, will engage in joint software development with Microsoft, host Project as an ASP, an receive investment funds from MS and others

Appliances & Embedded Systems

In Brief: New Handheld PCs Coming

The 4th generation of Handheld PCs, powered by CE 3.0, will arrive in Fall 2000 from HP, NEC, and MainStreet Networks

In Brief: Deals Secure XBox Games

Big Huge Games has received an undisclosed investment to develop games for the Xbox

Commercial & Consumer Services

In Brief: Lawsuit Settled with Market Research Firm

Harris Interactive dismissed its lawsuit after Microsoft agreed to allow e-mail from Harris to reach Hotmail users

In Brief: MongoMusic Acquired for Music Search Engine

MongoMusic’s Web site queries users for their favorite music and then uses the music’s style--such as tempo and mood--to locate unfamiliar titles the user is likely to enjoy

In Brief: HomeAdvisor secures $100 million in equity funding

The first round of equity financing for the HomeAdvisor joint venture includes contributions from Chase Corp. and GMAC-Residential Funding Corp. (GMAC-RFC)

Sales & Support

Microsoft’s ASP Strategy Takes Shape

MS has taken an active interest in the application hosting market, with various investments and new programs. But it sees the ASP model as only a prelude to .NET

Certification Changes Raise Bar for MCSEs

Microsoft is forging ahead with plans to shift its certified experts to Windows 2000 rapidly, and to tighten up qualification, even if that means fewer experts

Rapid Economic Justification Framework Available

This set of spreadsheet-based calculators, templates, and case studies helps IT managers quantify what a project will do for a company’s bottom line

Select Customers May Clone PCs

A recent policy change allows customers who have Select volume license agreements to re-image or "clone" PC configurations

In Brief: DNA Polished, Renamed for Verticals

"DNA for Manufacturing" is renamed ".NET for Manufacturing," adds support for BizTalk, but doesn't incorporate any of the .NET Framework technology announced in June 2000

In Brief: Free Sales Training Offered

The online sales courses target resellers, last under 2 hours, and cover key products like Windows 2000 and Office 2000

In Brief: Antipiracy robot prowls the net

The recently revealed "bot" is part of Microsoft's intensified campaign to slow piracy over the Internet

Corporate News

Group VP Maritz Retires

The departure of Paul Maritz, an exceptionally well respected 14 year veteran, is not expected to have a major impact since he has steadily scaled back his role over the past 18 months

Legal Update

A California judge will allow a set of private antitrust suits to proceed as a class action; Bristol Technologies awarded US$1 million in damages

In Brief: Japanese Employees Face Tax Penalties

150 current and past employees of MS’s Japanese subsidiary must pay US$27.9 million in back taxes and penalties