Windows 2000 Update

• Customers can get a free upgrade to Windows 2000 by buying Windows NT 4.0 now. The Windows 2000 Technology Guarantee program offers a free upgrade (plus nominal shipping and handling charges) to U.S. and Canadian customers who buy a qualified version of Windows NT 4.0 between Jan. 1, 2000, and Feb. 17, 2000. Qualifying versions of Windows NT include Workstation 4.0, several variations of Server 4.0, and NT 4.0 Enterprise Edition. Since the laws governing this type of transaction vary from country to country, international customers will need to consult their country’s Microsoft Web site to find out whether this offer is available locally. Open License agreement customers should call 800-248-0655 and supply their Open License Authorization Number to receive the free upgrade. For more details and to view a complete list of qualifying products, visit www.microsoft.com/windows2000/guide/server/pricing/techg.asp.

• Microsoft licensed FastLane’s DM/Consolidator technology to ease the task of migrating from Novell NetWare to Windows 2000. The new technology, called the Microsoft File Migration Utility (MSFMU), will be integrated into Services for NetWare version 5, which is due for release shortly after the Windows 2000 launch. MSFMU will simplify the task of moving large numbers of files from a Novell environment to a Windows 2000 environment by automatically maintaining directory structures and file and directory access permissions during the move, a task that can be difficult and error prone without such a tool. FastLane also markets DM/Consolidator as part of its DM/Suite of directory management tools and recommends it for similar tasks during a Windows NT 4.0 to Windows 2000 migration. Microsoft’s Information Technology Group (ITG) used DM/Consolidator during a migration of more than 50,000 users to Windows 2000 last year. For more information about DM/Consolidator, visit www.fastlane.com.