[The articles below were posted between October 28, 2002 and November 25, 2002 and appear in the December 2002 hardcopy edition of Update.]

Server Applications

Feature Packs Aid SMS Admins

Two new feature packs make it easier for administrators to use Systems Management Server to deploy patches and distribute reports on hardware and software inventory and distribution status

Operating Systems

Windows .NET Server Supports Enterprise Storage

Windows .NET Server's support for networked storage and 'snapshot' capabilities may be among the most compelling reasons to upgrade

New XP Embedded; Server Postponed

The first update for Windows XP Embedded includes product updates, patches for bugs, and a look at the future of componentized versions of Windows

New Media Publishing Format, Movie Maker 2.0

A new format for storing and organizing digital media data on writable discs (HighMAT) and an update to Windows Movie Maker boost the PC's role as a digital media tool

Development Tools & Programs

New Approach To C++ Standards

By increasing ANSI compliance, the next version of Visual C++ will enable developers to better exploit open-source and commercial-source code libraries

Desktop Applications

Office Beta Released

Microsoft has released the first beta of the next version of Office, currently code-named Office 11, to a select group of beta testers

OneNote to Organize Note-Taking

The latest addition to Microsoft's Office family of products, OneNote is designed to help office workers take, organize, share, and search for notes, including handwritten notes entered on the newly released Tablet PCs

Commercial & Consumer Services

Disney, MSN Launch ISP

A Disney-sponsored version of MSN continues an alliance between Microsoft and the media giant

bCentral Adds Services, Content

bCentral's latest changes feature content and services provided by partners, rather than created in-house

Source Code, Stronger Authentication Support Passport

Microsoft wants to popularize Passport as a platform for authentication; revealing the source code for Passport Manager and strengthening its authentication are two small steps on this path

Appliances & Emerging Networks

Xbox Gears up for Holidays

Xbox Live launches, but Microsoft expects new titles and discounts to drive the bulk of console sales this holiday season; meanwhile, the head of Xbox in Japan has stepped down

Smartphones Arrive as Sendo Departs

Cellular carrier Orange SA launches the first Windows Smartphone in the U.K. just as Sendo, an early pioneer, drops out weeks before shipping its own model

Tablet PC Launches

The Tablet PC will initially be marketed to 'corridor warriors' and workers in certain vertical industries

Cautious Support for Bluetooth in Windows

An update to Windows and new wireless keyboard and mouse signal increased Microsoft support of Bluetooth, which the company hopes will simplify PC use and offer low-cost wireless networking

Media Center PC Launches

To better compete with digital video recording products such as TiVo and Sony's Vaio PCs, Media Center PCs will have less stringent copy-protection rules than originally planned

Sales & Support

Partner Compensation Introduced for Open License Sales

Partners and resellers can earn referral fees in a new program that offers multiyear licensing to small and medium-size businesses

Knowledge Base Renumbered

The Knowledge Base will get a new numbering scheme to make it easier for customers to access the same documents regardless of their preferred language

Corporate News

Antitrust Settlement Approved With Few Modifications

A federal judge declined to impose additional antitrust remedies requested by nine states but will be watching Microsoft closely for compliance with its settlement

Raikes, Flessner Expand Reach to Field

Changes in Microsoft's organization show two product groups increasing their control of sales strategy and field-based marketing, while Office and Exchange get new technical guidance

New Executives Since Nov. 2002

Since the publication of the Nov. 2002 Directions on Microsoft OrgChart, Microsoft has announced several changes at the vice-presidential level and above

Location-Based Technology Company Acquired

The US$96 million acquisition of Vicinity Corporation gives Microsoft 300 potential new customers for MapPoint .NET, as well as new location-based technology for MapPoint .NET and other products