Operating Systems & Server Applications

Web Releases Enhance SQL 2000 XML

Two kits for developers & DB administrators, the SQL Server XML View Mapper 1.0 and the SQL 2000 XML Web Release 1 Beta 2, build on SQL 2000's existing XML Support

In Brief: Service Pack 3 Posted for SQL Server 7.0

This cumulative service pack fixes 250 bugs, some serious, but introduces its own bug that requires a hotfix to correct

Network & Internet Platforms

Windows Media Aims for Broadband and Mobile

Microsoft introduces a new file format with improved compression and a Windows Media video player for Pocket PCs

Development Tools & Programs

Beta SDK Supports Mobile Web Applications

Server-based code called the .NET Mobile Web SDK lets developers create applications accessible from a variety of Microsoft and non-MS microbrowser-capable wireless devices

In Brief: .NET Replacement for VBA Announced

Visual Studio for Applications (VSA) will allow developers to add a .NET scripting engine to a software package and expose the package's internal functions via an object model

In Brief: XML Schema Tool Supports W3C Standard

A new tool converts XML schemas from XDR, an older proprietary format, to XSD, a format proposed by the W3C as an industry standard

In Brief: Package Simplifies XML App Distribution

The MSXML MergeModule redistribution package provides MSXML 3.0 in a form that can be redistributed with apps and installed by the Windows Installer

In Brief: New Driver Kit Covers All Shipping Windows

The new Windows 2000 Device Driver Kit can be used to build nearly all types of drivers for all versions of Windows 2000 (including SP1) and Windows Me

In Brief: SDK Enables Virtual Worlds for Training

The SDK lets developers introduce cartoon-like character representations into apps; possible uses include training

Appliances & Embedded Systems

Embedded Beta Slices Up Whistler

The first beta of Whistler Embedded, a componentized version of the next Windows OS, was released to a select group of third-party developers

Commercial & Consumer Services

AOL Time Warner Presents Renewed Threats

The AOL Time Warner merger creates a powerful competitor for Microsoft in the broadband Internet access, media content, and instant messaging markets

Great Plains Acquisition Signals Move into Verticals

The acquisition of Great Plains gives MS a full suite of business apps for both bCentral & direct sales to small to medium-size businesses

Winstar Deal Suggests bCentral Reseller Strategy

Winstar, an ASP and wireless ISP, will resell bCentral services along side its existing offerings of Internet connectivity, phone service, and hosted business software

In Brief: Microsoft and LEGO Building New Agreement

LEGO will provide child-friendly games for XBox, offer content on MSN, and adopt Passport and .NET technologies for its web site

In Brief: Starbucks-MSN Venture Announced

Customers at North American Starbucks cafes will be able to connect to an MSN-based Internet service through their wireless-enabled laptops

Sales & Support

Internet, Site-Building Certifications Retired

Material from an NT4-vintage Internet-focused certification now permeates the new Win2000 certifications and material from an old Site-Building certification deals with outdated products

Volume Discounts for Consumer Windows to End

Microsoft is changing its licenses to make it more expensive for businesses to upgrade to a version of Windows 9x/ME than Windows 2000

Encarta Server Aims at Schools

New Encarta software, expected in April, adds collaboration & task tracking capabilities and learning resources such as book excerpts, quizzes, and reading assignments

In Brief: Microsoft Discounts Office Premium

In an effort to promote wider use of its Web development tools, Microsoft has temporarily cut the price of Office Premium to small volume-licensing customers

In Brief: Industry Solution Award Winners

Vendors in nine different application categories honored in annual Microsoft-sponsored contest

In Brief: "How to Tell" Campaign Combats Piracy

Microsoft launches a special Web site that helps customers recognize counterfeit software

Corporate News

Microsoft Addresses Morale, Turnover

Facing a sharp rise in employee attrition, Microsoft is taking unusual steps to keep its workers around

Record Q2 Revenues Meet Lowered Expectations

Q2 set new records for revenue and income, although results were tempered by a drop in income from investments

US$5 Billion Discrimination Suit Filed

A class action lawsuit alleging racial discrimination could conceivably involve as many as 400 former and current employees

Legal Update

DoJ and 19 states defend Judge Jackson's comments made outside the courtroom; MS competitors hire Ken Starr; 38 private class-action antitrust suits dismissed

In Brief: Non-Compete Clauses Bite Startup

Crossgain temporarily dismisses 20 of its 80 employees because of non-compete agreements they signed with Microsoft