.Net Delays Possible
The four Windows .Net Servers and Internet services platform were originally targeted for launch during the first half of 2002, but concerns about security features may delay those releases until year's end, said ASP sources.
\
MICROSOFT'S .NET VISION
\
As Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates last week introduced Visual Studio .Net solution providers fear security issues could stall the next round of releases.
"Phase one is all about marketing. MyServices, unlike most Microsoft announcements, was muted because Microsoft understands it has a PR issue that centers around trust and that they will seek to repair first," said a top executive at one service provider, who requested anonymity. "It's not surprising people don't trust Microsoft well enough to let them become the repository for [their information."
Microsoft is well aware of the issue. In January, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said locking down the .Net products,a strategy he dubbed "Trustworthy Computing",was vital to the success of its .Net Web services.
"The last I heard it was still June/July of 2002," said one source close to the software giant. "But it may slip, especially since those target dates were [set before Microsoft embarked on its new security campaign."
"Windows .Net Release Candidate 1 was due in the March time frame, but it may be delayed due to the security initiative," another source confirmed.
The delivery time frame of .Net MyServices platform, which was originally scheduled to go live in mid-2002, also remains in question. One source indicated that Microsoft is serious about a June 2002 launch date, but others are skeptical because of security concerns and marketing challenges.
Others, however, said they don't care about delays as long as the .Net products and services are secure and revenue-generating. "ProTier would rather see the .Net products secure than rolled out quickly," said Rob Hirschfeld, CTO of ProTier, an ASP in New Orleans.
Software Spectrum Vice President Roger King said customer interest in Web services and pervasive computing is increasing, but there are obstacles. "Whether it's the Microsoft .Net platform or Sun or IBM,our customers are looking at all of them," said King. "How specifically will we develop services to exploit .Net MyServices, it's really too early to tell."