"Infrastructure management will become increasingly important as companies deploy Internet-based e-business strategies," says Timashev. "A solid, well-managed infrastructure is critical to successful e-business implementation." Aelita is recruiting VARs and integrators who want to exploit the Win2K market. VARs can use Aelita software to help their clients reconfigure networks to accommodate rapid growth, develop security auditing and user monitoring programs, implement emergency recovery practices, and migrate to Windows 2000. Aelita was ranked tenth of the 75 fastest growing ISVs for Windows in North America by Microsoft Corp. and CMP Media Inc. in 1999. Immediately following the Feb. 17 launch of Win2K, Timashev discussed the opportunities Aelita offers its channel partners with VARBusiness senior editor Jan Stafford.

VARBusiness: What is the biggest challenge faced by businesses in migrating to Windows 2000?
Timashev: Windows 2000 creates opportunities for enterprises to re-create the network to meet current business conditions and objectives. However, enterprise networks should not consider the move to Windows 2000 as a simple upgrade. To fully realize the benefits of Windows 2000 Active Directory, they will want to migrate to Windows 2000 and this migration must be planned, tested and executed carefully to minimize the disruption on current business operations and ensure successful deployment.

VB: What is your company doing to help them?
Timashev: We have just released Controlled Migration Suite, a comprehensive solution to Windows 2000 migration that brings together three powerful directory management tools to improve network administration before, during and after the migration to Windows 2000. This suite is designed with the performance and scalability enterprise networks require and includes several unique features that address the most common problems administrators face during the migration. We've also developed a five-step Controlled Migration Strategy that defines an approach to migration that minimizes the impact on current operations.

VB: What market opportunities should VARs capture right away?
Timashev: We think there are incredible opportunities for VARs in Active Directory planning and Windows 2000 deployment. Active Directory planning, in particular, is an area that has not received the attention it warrants. Deciding how many domains and forests to establish in Windows 2000 Active Directory will be difficult for many enterprises. How well they make that decision will have a significant impact on the cost of ownership of Windows 2000. They will be looking for VARs who understand the issues involved and can assist in Active Directory planning as well as Windows 2000 deployment.

VB: What industry trends do you think VARs should watch carefully?
Timashev: The release of Windows 2000 will accelerate the trend toward directory-centric network services. In the future, everything will revolve around the directory, which should simplify network administration. However, we'll need simpler administration because networks will continue to get larger, more complex, and more dynamic.

VB: Are there dangers for integrators who move into the Windows 2000 market?
Timashev: The biggest danger is that Windows 2000 will not be embraced by the market. This is one of the most complex software products ever released and I don't think anyone can really be sure how it will perform. Microsoft has been very thorough in its testing so it is likely the initial release will be stable and meet market expectations. But if early adopters experience significant problems, market acceptance will suffer