“Today’s festivities include addresses by two of Microsoft’s
biggest business partners: Dell Computer chief executive Michael
Dell opens the show and Compaq Computer CEO Michael Capellas winds
things down. The most anticipated event, however, is Thursday’s
official debut of the business-use operating system, to be
introduced by Bill Gates, Microsoft’s chairman and chief software
architect.”
“In the making since 1996, Windows 2000 is a great deal more
sophisticated than its predecessor, Windows NT 4. The transition
won’t be smooth for about a quarter of those who make the change,
according to consulting firm Gartner Group, and many will take
their time.
In addition, Microsoft faces the twin challenges of Linux
and the Internet, both unforeseen just a few years ago. The
first has established itself as a cheaper alternative and been
embraced by almost as many computer companies as Windows itself.
The second has boosted the market for powerful servers–and equally
powerful operating systems–to run Web sites.”