Microsoft, Other IT Vendors To Unveil W2K Deployment Blueprints

The initiative is "designed to help reduce the time and cost associated with deployment of data-center solutions build on the Windows 2000 Server platform," according to a media alert sent out on Tuesday.

In addition to Microsoft, vendors involved in the initiative include server makers Dell and Unisys; storage vendors Brocade Communications Systems, EMC and Emulex; networking vendor Nortel Networks; and Avanade, the integrator formed as a joint venture by Microsoft and Accenture.

Several sources said the vendors would unveil a series of server and storage blueprints aimed at developing data-center solutions. One source said it could be compared to similar alliances such as the ECOstructure alliance struck in early 2000 between EMC, Cisco and Oracle to build resilient e-business infrastructures.

Part of the initiative will be related to Microsoft's .Net platform, another source said.

A Microsoft source confirmed the initiative will discuss blueprints, but said there is no relation to that company's .Net programs.