[The articles below were posted between March 31, 2003 and April 21, 2003 appear in the May 2003 hardcopy edition of Update.]

Server Applications

Management Roadmap Leads to System Center

New versions of SMS and MOM will ship during the next 12 months, but eventually they will merge into a unified product called System Center

Long-Term Plan for Manageability Announced

Microsoft's ambitious plan for end-to-end systems management shows innovative thinking but will require support from hardware vendors and software developers to reach fruition

SQL Server Updated Against Slammer

An updated service pack and new product media for SQL Server 2000 will make it easier for organizations to protect themselves from the SQL Slammer worm

CRM Partners for Hosting, Helpdesk

Application service providers and ISVs team with Microsoft to enter the small to mid-size business CRM market

Operating Systems

Windows Administration Moves Beyond GUI

A new attitude combined with new and improved technologies and tools makes command-line and scripted administration of Windows more viable

Wi-Fi Protected Access for Windows

A new update for Windows XP supports wireless adapters equipped with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), a replacement for the broken Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security protocol

Development Tools & Programs

License and Test Discounts for ISVs

Small and mid-size software vendors can get discounted software licenses and technical help through Microsoft's new Empower partner program

.NET Tools for Office Available

Visual Studio Tools for Office allows developers to use Visual Studio .NET to build applications on top of Office 2003

Desktop Applications

Office 2003 Lineup Announced

Office 2003 will be offered in six different bundles through multiple purchasing channels; not all versions will include features such as XML and rights management

Commercial & Consumer Services

Three Imperatives Drive Consumer Strategy

To better withstand slumps in IT spending, Microsoft hopes to increase consumer PC sales, establish a consumer electronics presence, and profit from networked consumer services

MSN Embracing Paid Search

The industrywide success of paid search, in which advertisers pay to be listed in search results and online directories, could cause MSN to increase its investment in the area

Sales & Support

CE Source Code Program Expanded

New source-code licensing for Windows CE gives silicon vendors, integrators, and OEMs access to more source code and, for the first time, the right to distribute source code modifications commercially

Microsoft Hones Strategy to Compete with Open Source

Microsoft has updated alarms about the dangers of open-source software with more nuanced arguments that challenge open-source strengths such as access to code, developer community, and cost of ownership

Small Business Server Licensing, Promotions

New Small Business Server 2000 sales incentives include a steep discount on Software Assurance and extension of a US$500 rebate program for SBS resellers

Loan Program for IT Training

Individuals can get a loan to build or enhance their IT skills through the Microsoft IT Skills Loan Program

Corporate News

Q3'03 Profit Beats Record

Q3'03 showed revenue growth in all areas of Microsoft's business except Home and Entertainment; Server Platforms and MSN were the most notable standouts

Antitrust, Antispam, and Other Legal News

Judges stay a Java 'must-carry' injunction and appear poised to reverse it; Microsoft files suits to stop spammers and to help OEM partners in a patent dispute with Lucent