Operating Systems & Server Applications

Exchange 2000 Targeted at ASPs

Organizations wishing to outsource messaging & collaboration to an ASP using Exchange 2000 need to be aware of the benefits, issues, and caveats that accompany this approach

.NET Targets Enterprise

.NET Enterprise Servers, Windows 2000 Datacenter, and the expansion of hardware certification programs and consulting services indicated a renewed focus on the enterprise

Exchange 2000 Includes Instant Messaging Capability

Discusses the potential corporate uses for Instant Messaging (IM), Exchange's IM capabilties and architecture, and anticipated future improvements

Network & Internet Platforms

B2B Registry Supports Web Services

An imposing team of companies has joined Microsoft to build an online business directory, hoping to fuel the growth of business-to-business software and marketplace Web sites

In Brief: Windows Media Player Beta for Macintosh Available

This is the first Mac version with client-side support for Microsoft's digital rights management technology

In Brief: AT&T Tries Microsoft TV Competitor

Delays with Microsoft’s interactive TV code prompt AT&T Broadband to use Liberate's software for trials

In Brief: Pacific Microsonics Acquired

Microsoft gets technology that enhances PC playback of digital audio and expertise on audio player hardware design

Development Tools & Programs

In Brief: Visual C++ Support for Latest Chips

A new Visual C++ add-on enables developers to exploit 'multimedia' instructions in recent microprocessors

Desktop Applications

Strategic Agreement with Corel

In return for Microsoft's investment of US$135 million, Corel will support the Microsoft .NET platform

Office 2001:mac Available

Latest release reduces the problems associated with moving files between a Mac and a Windows-based computer

Appliances & Embedded Systems

MSN Companions in Stores

New devices from Compaq and EMachines are a cheap and easy way to get consumers online with Microsoft’s ISP service, MSN Internet Access

Windows Media Gadgets Ship

Iomega and Compaq join the list of companies that support Microsoft’s Windows Media format on portable digital audio players

New Windows CE for Automotive Alliances

Five German and Japanese automotive electronic component suppliers pledged to develop products based on Windows CE for Automotive 2.0, which MS released this summer

Commercial & Consumer Services

bCentral Drives Small Business E-Commerce Strategy

Microsoft is adding several new technology-related services to bCentral in hopes of promoting the .NET vision and attracting more small-business dollars

MoneyCentral Expands to Europe and Japan

Microsoft is developing country-specific financial tools and additional content for France, Germany, Japan, and the UK

In Brief: Sony Backs Windows Media in Europe

Sony announced it would create a European music video channel featuring streaming Windows Media files

In Brief: bCentral Hosts Exchange 2000

The hosted e-mail service marks the first time MS has acted as an ASP for one of its own packaged products

In Brief: MSN Glitch Overcharges Customers

A billing error by MSN froze credit card accounts of more than 1,000 MSN customers

In Brief: MSN Adds Audio to Chat

MSN will let users of its chat rooms listen to songs drawn from 40 different musical genres

Sales & Support

Partner Programs Revamped

In an effort to make its partnership programs more effective, Microsoft is replacing the Solutions Provider program with a new brand and additional certification options

Directory, Exchange Guides Help ASPs

To smooth deployment of key products among ASPs, Microsoft has prepared special implementation guides and sample applications

In Brief: New Training Labs Announced

This winter, MS will offer three $49 half-day Windows 2000 & Exchange 2000 hands-on labs across the U.S.

In Brief: BackOffice Server 2000 Readiness Kit Available

The BackOffice Server 2000 Channel Readiness Kit offers product overviews, demonstration videos, product tours, usage scenarios, and beta versions of BackOffice Server 2000

In Brief: Web Hoster Program Announced

The program for U.S.-based Web hosting companies offers free software, training discounts, and access to a private area of Microsoft’s Web site

Corporate News

Microsoft Appeal Begins

The U.S. Supreme Court declined a DoJ motion that the court hear the case immediately, and instead directed that the case be referred to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals

Growth Revives in First Quarter

Compared to the year earlier quarter, net income was up 18% (excluding the effects of an accounting change) and revenue was up 8%

Enfrastructure Gets Microsoft Investment

Microsoft--along with IBM, Arthur Andersen, and others--invested US$100 million in a new high-tech incubator business with facilities planned worldwide

Legal Update

Former employee files discrimination suit; U.S. Tax Court rules against Microsoft; out-of-court settlement reached with 'Digital Diva'

In Brief: Allen and Hackborn Leave Board

Paul Allen and Richard Hackborn will not seek reelection to Microsoft's board, decreasing the board to six members