Microsoft Windows 2000: First Impressions A More Powerful Yet Simpler Windows Ben Durbin
Since our last look at Windows NT 5.0, the naming convention and marketing strategy of the operating system have drastically changed. What was to be Windows NT 5.0 Workstation and Server will now be four different flavors of Windows 2000. Subsequent versions will be named for years instead of product version numbers. For example, Windows 2002 or 2004 are likely successors. Products will also be underscored with a "Built on NT Technology" promise to ensure customers that the technology remains consistent.
Microsoft plans to market four different versions of Windows 2000:
Windows 2000 Professional
Windows 2000 Server
Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
Each version will vary according to performance, price, and the number of processors that the OS will accommodate.
Windows 2000 Servers will run on machines containing up to two processors. Windows 2000 Advanced Server will work with machines running up to four processors. Servers equipped with Advanced Server can also be tied together in fail-safe clusters, under which one machine can cover for another in case of a breakdown. Windows 2000 Datacenter Server will be able to accommodate sixteen processors, much more memory, and will support clustered configurations.
