Server Applications

Microsoft Rethinks Exchange Storage Architecture

A plan to drop Exchange’s JET-based Web Storage System in favor of one based on Yukon, a future version of SQL Server, will yield long-term benefits & short-term disappointment

OLAP Breaks Ground for SQL Server

Companies use OLAP software to mine their databases for strategic advantage; MS hopes to use its OLAP Services, bundled with SQL Server, to move in on database competitors

Operating Systems

Making the Call on Windows XP

Windows XP Professional offers many new capabilities that could prompt organizations to upgrade desktops, especially Windows 9x and NT 4.0 machines

Hijacked Certificates Pose Potential Spoofing Problem

Theft of two digital certificates makes it possible for hackers to distribute malicious code posed as an ActiveX control or Office macro authored by Microsoft; code patch posted

Enterprise Source Licensing Program Expanded

Approximately 1,000 of Microsoft’s US-based enterprise corporate customers will have access to source code for Windows 2000, Windows XP, and related Service Packs

Development Tools & Programs

Web Store Overhauls Exchange Development Platform

Web Store, the data storage technology used by both SharePoint Portal Server ("Tahoe") and Exchange 2000, boosts the ability of Exchange to host collaborative apps

Web Services Built on Cooperation and Competition

A steady flow of standards improvements supported by both Microsoft and IBM moves the Web services market much closer to reality

Commercial & Consumer Services

HailStorm Fulfills Crucial Roles for .NET

HailStorm helps fulfill Microsoft's .NET vision of fee-based Web services. But the company must address concerns about privacy and reliability in order to succeed

NorthPoint Demise Won't Impact Broadband Strategy

Though Microsoft looses its $30M investment in NorthPoint, a DSL start up, this and other investments helped spur the development of DSL service overall

In Brief: Calendar Service Acquired

The WebAppoint online calendaring service, acquired for an undisclosed amount, will be integrated into bCentral

Sales & Support

.NET Processor License Upgrades Clarified

There is now a more liberal policy for customers upgrading server apps, licensed under the old per-server model, to .NET Enterprise Servers which use a new per-processor model

Corporate News

Organization Changes Help Transition to Software Services

VP Yusuf Mehdi assumes most of the current duties of MSN Sr. VP Brad Chase, Group VP Bob Muglia gets larger role, reporting directly to Ballmer, rather than to Belluzzo