Microsoft Lists Product Blitz For 2003

The Redmond-based software giant, which intends to steer a sizable number of NT 4.0 server users to the new platform, plans to release four versions of the .NET Windows Server upgrade in April. That server upgrade, originally code-named 'Whistler," was first expected in late 2001 and then a number of times in 2002. However, Microsoft recently shipped Release Candidate 2 of Windows.NET Server, and officials say they are confident about the revised 2003 delivery date.

In addition to Windows.NET Server, Microsoft plans to ship an upgrade of its .NET development platform, code-named "Everett" and now named Visual Studio.NET 2003, as well as major upgrades of its Office suite, code-named "Office 11," and Exchange messaging server, code-named "Titanium."

While Microsoft indicated this week that it would make available new "Sharepoint Team Services" next year, sources expect the company will deliver a full upgrade of its popular SharePoint portal server with Team Services 2.0 sometime in 2003 (see related story).

Microsoft is also preparing to launch a number of new products, including an e-commerce software suite code-named "Jupiter," a 64-bit version of its database for Intel's Itanium called SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition, and realtime communications software code-named "Greenwich" that will eventually be integrated into the Windows server. Initially, however, Greenwich will be released as a group of stand-alone services in 2003.

The Greenwich technology, key to Microsoft's Web services initiatives, will provide several forms of instant communication services including voice, data collaboration and presence information, officials said.

The software giant also plans to ship MSN Messenger Connect for Enterprises, a service that will enable corporations to do instant messaging with MSN users and customers. It is scheduled for availability in the first quarter of 2003 and will be integrated with the Windows.NET Server and Active Directory API. The service will allow corporations to log and audit all instant messaging conversations and manage their IM domains.

Finally, Microsoft said it plans to make available a beta version of its .NET Speech platform in mid-2003, and also a beta version of a telematics platform that will enable automotive manufacturers to connect drivers to their servers, networks and Web services from their automobiles. That platform is based on the Windows CE operating system and .NET Compact Framework.