[The articles below were posted between December 22, 2003 and January 20, 2004 and appear in the February 2004 hardcopy edition of Update.]

Server Applications

ISVs Help Manage Web Services

Several partners have announced management packs for Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) designed to help companies manage applications that are based on Web services

BizTalk Server 2004 Pricing

BizTalk Server 2004 offers increased connectivity in its Partner and Standard Editions; the product will likely be available in the first quarter of 2004

MSCRM Goes International

An update to Microsoft's Customer Relationship Management product supports additional languages, simplifies setup, and can run on Small Business Server

Host Integration Server 2004 Beta

The next release of HIS is now in beta and is aimed at integrating .NET applications with mainframe host-based applications and databases

Operating Systems

Windows OS Roadmap Stretched

Substantial updates to Windows XP and retirement of important Windows 2000 support services are in store for 2004 and 2005, but variants of Windows 98 will retain some support

Services for Unix Updated

Updates to the Services for Unix interoperability tools will help customers who want to run dual environments and migrate their Unix applications to Windows

ISA and MDAC Vulnerabilities Require Patches

A critical vulnerability in Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server and an important vulnerability with Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) could create serious problems if exploited

Windows 2000 Life Cycle Finalized

The announcement of final dates for purchasing Windows 2000 completes the support life-cycle documentation for this product

Smart Display Work Stops

Changing market conditions, such as falling prices for notebooks, have driven Microsoft to end development of its Smart Display technology

Blaster Dewormer Available

In response to reports of significant lingering network traffic from computers infected by the Blaster worm, Microsoft has released a Blaster removal tool

Development Tools & Programs

ASP.NET Gets Major Improvements

Current users will find ASP.NET 2.0 to be a 'no-brainer' upgrade, substantially reducing the custom code they must write, and holdouts may find it tempting enough to take the plunge

Desktop Applications

Mac Office, Virtual PC Previewed

Planned Mac releases, including Office 2004 and Virtual PC support for Apple's 64-bit platform, signal Microsoft's continuing support for Mac OS X

Desktop Support Certification Offered

A new certification for desktop support technicians will be useful for help-desk personnel and others engaged with end-user desktops

Outlook Spam Filter Updated

Outlook 2003's spam filter has received its first update from Microsoft; continuing updates could keep the filter effective against wily spammers

Commercial & Consumer Services

MSN Launches Range of Services

In an effort to increase subscription revenue, MSN is expanding its subscription-based offerings, focusing mainly on e-mail. It is also taking new steps to attract advertisers

Appliances & Emerging Networks

CES Highlights PC as Digital Media Hub

After several years of promoting the PC as a home entertainment hub, Microsoft is developing products and technologies to connect other entertainment devices to it and enlisting OEMs to help

SPOT Watches Ship

Smart Watches for MSN Direct primarily aim to improve on the common watch, but can also receive data such as Outlook appointments and news headlines

Sales & Support

Microsoft Fights for the Small and Middle Market

Microsoft has strengthened its partner programs and product lineup for midmarket firms, but the company faces strong competition from enterprise vendors who are entering the market as well

Java Stops Older Products

Distribution has stopped for many older products, including Windows 98, Office 2000, and SQL Server 7.0; organizations and developers should hold onto their discs

Corporate News

RealNetworks Files Antitrust Suit

RealNetworks alleges that Microsoft is using the same strategy--and illegal tactics--in the digital media market that it used against Netscape

Eolas Continues, SPX Settles, Mythic Sues

A judge refuses to suspend the Eolas-IE patent infringement verdict while the U.S. Patent Office re-evaluates the patent; SPX suit settled with US$60 million payout; Mythic sues over trademarks

Reorganization Tightens Windows Focus

Splitting Windows core development from non-core development and marketing will help Microsoft focus on building the next Windows while supporting an ever-growing slate of legacy systems

Microsoft and Industry Conferences

List of major Microsoft-sponsored conferences scheduled for February through July, 2004