Server Applications

Microsoft and Industry Partners Accelerating BizTalk Integration

New components called "accelerators" will reduce the custom development required to deploy BizTalk Server B2B e-commerce solutions in health care and other industries

Microsoft to Acquire NCompass Labs

The acquisition will allow Microsoft to offer products that make it easier for Web site operators to manage the content of complex sites involving large teams of authors and reviewers

Operating Systems

Windows XP Gives New Push to Windows Media Format

Tight integration of Windows Media Player 8 with Windows XP is part of Microsoft's effort to establish the Windows Media Format as the de facto standard for digital audio & video

.NET Puts Focus on Embedded Strategy

New embedded OS betas and programs show how this area is becoming more important as Microsoft’s .NET initiative begins to provide Web services to "smart" devices

OEMs to Ship Prerelease 64-bit Windows

Until 64-bit production versions of Whistler are available later this year, PCs with the 64-bit Intel Itanium CPU will include prerelease desktop and server editions of 64-bit Whistler

Desktop Applications

New MapPoint 2002 More Customizable

This release further strengthens Microsoft’s efforts to bring geographic information system technology to ordinary business users

Publisher Improves Commercial Printing Support

Publisher 2002, just released, offers better color support and enhanced integration with Office

In Brief: New Visio Gains Office Features

Visio 2002 delivers numerous Office-like user interface and deployment features, including as-you-type spell check and "self-repairing" installations

Appliances & Emerging Networks

Microsoft TV Facing Uncertain Market

AT&T delays deployment of new set-tops based on the Microsoft TV platform, opting instead to offer a less ambitious set of enhanced TV services on existing set-tops

Sales & Support

Subscription Licensing Tested

Though moving slowly at the moment, Microsoft’s shift to annual payments for software and services is underway and likely to accelerate

In Brief: MS Press Offers Custom Books

Readers can assemble their own technical books from existing titles and have them delivered as printed volumes or in digital form

In Brief: Subscription Service for Sales, Development Software

Targeting consultants, integrators, developers, and resellers, the new service offers desktop & server software, online training, and a listing in Microsoft’s customer referral database

Corporate News

Harvard Professor Fills Out Board

James Cash, Jr., a Harvard Business School professor and organizational consultant, becomes the eighth member of Microsoft's board of directors

Wireless Leader Paul Gross Resigns

Senior VP of Microsoft's Mobility Group cites personal reasons for his departure; successor not yet announced

Investment Update

Over the past few months, Microsoft has made investments in several wireless services, games, and Web services firms

CEO Summit Speech Hints at Priorities

This year, topics included intellectual property, the market for business-to-business (B2B) Web services, and broadband Internet access