“Windows 2000, which took three years and cost $1 billion to
create, is Microsoft’s attempt to extend its dominance of consumer
PCs to server computers, the workhorse machines that are the
foundations of the Internet and business networks.”
“… it is a make-or-break product for the Redmond,
Wash.-based company, which has seen its king-of-the-hill status
erode amid the rush to the Internet and growing challenges from
upstart products like Linux, a free operating system.”
“‘This is Microsoft’s last, best stab at maintaining some
relevance for Windows,’ said Rob Enderle, an analyst with Giga
Information Group, a technology research firm.”
“‘If this product doesn’t work, it would mean a huge opportunity
for displacement, and if that happens you would see Microsoft
revalued dramatically,’ Enderle said.”