Server Applications

Application Center Aims to Simplify Web Clusters

App Center makes Windows 2000 a stronger candidate for hosting large-scale Web apps, but will need major changes to support future OSs and other upcoming technologies

Application Compatibility Features in Windows XP

Microsoft is working hard to ensure greater application compatibility for Windows XP, but now is the time to test essential applications

ISA Server Steps Onto Net

Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000, an all-in-one firewall and caching solution, ships in two versions

In Brief: SMS SP3 Ships

Service Pack 3 for Systems Management Server 2.0 fixes many outstanding bugs, especially for organizations using SMS to manage Windows 2000 and Windows 95 workstations

Operating Systems

Telecommuting and Remote User Solutions Come of Age

Windows 2000 and Exchange 2000 now allow organizations to create a secure yet cost-effective infrastructure to support telecommuters and remote workers

Windows Desktop Life-Cycle Guidelines

Microsoft has identified three life-cycle phases for its OS products and made commitments regarding the nature and duration of support for each phase

Crime Ring Targets NT-based Websites

Organized crime rings hack into unpatched NT-based e-commerce & e-banking Web sites and use stolen credit card numbers to extort money from the Web site operators

Business Server Suites Ship

Both Small Business Server 2000 and BackOffice Server 2000 consolidate Windows 2000 and several of the .NET Enterprise Servers in a relatively low-priced package

In Brief: Windows NT 4 Active Directory Client Available

Long overdue software allows NT 4 desktops on Windows 2000 Server-based networks to take advantage of Active Directory features

Development Tools & Programs

In Brief: Web Service Tools Get Major Update

Beta 2 version of the SOAP Toolkit 2.0, used by developers to create or use Internet-based Web Services, now available

In Brief: Service Pack Fixes Visual Studio Compatibility Bugs

Service Pack 5 fixes various "DLL Hell" conflicts on machines with Windows 2000, Office 2000, and SQL Server 2000

Commercial & Consumer Services

eBay, Microsoft in Web Services Agreement

The recent deal between Microsoft and eBay shows how partners can enter into win-win relationships in the forthcoming world of Web services

WebTV Internet Access Moving to MSN

The WebTV Internet access service is being folded into MSN, signaling a shift way from Internet-TV convergence and toward "better TV" features

HomeAdvisor Joint Venture Ends

The mortgage technology part of the business will be sold, and the HomeAdvisor.com Web portal and the real estate tools division will be folded into the MSN organization

Sales & Support

Microsoft Reorients Sales Strategy for Enterprise

Microsoft’s new focus on the enterprise applications market will require dramatic changes in its sales, services, and culture

Microsoft Security Partnership Program Online

The new program provides a Web-based directory of consulting companies with security consulting practices

In Brief: Schools Get Development Tools

New program offers Microsoft products to universities for instructional use at nominal fee

Corporate News

Legal Update

Actions & statements by the Appeals Court, DoJ, the states, and Microsoft may improve the odds of a settlement; Bristol lawsuit settled; DoJ investigating Corel investment

Microsoft Reaches Out to Minorities

Microsoft continues its efforts to reach out to minority communities through small business workshops, minority student tours of its corporate campus, and other programs

In Brief: Ex-IBM Exec Replaces Ewel

Cliff Reeves has been hired as vice president of marketing in the Windows.NET Server Product Management Group