Win2K Released to Manufacturing

Microsoft has released Windows 2000 to manufacturing and has begun making the code available to its business partners. Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows 2000 Advanced Server will begin the manufacturing process immediately, with a target retail release date of Feb. 17, 2000. DataCenter Server should be available by June 2000.

The Windows 2000 manufacturing process has changed slightly to incorporate a new anti-piracy feature that engraves a hologram across the release CD-ROM. The change in manufacturing caused some consternation among business partners accustomed to immediate download access to new releases. Nonetheless, all partner distribution channels should have access to the release code—build 2195—well before the Feb. 17 launch date.

Members of the Joint Development Program (JDP) and Rapid Deployment Program (RDP) should have received CDs by Dec. 20. These two customer groups were instrumental in stress testing Windows 2000 during the beta test period. Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Universal and Professional subscribers should have access to the code shortly after the first of the year so that they can double-check their products against the release code. Members of the Select volume license program will receive release code in the January shipment.