Windows 2000 launch on 17 Feb 2000
27 Oct 1999
Microsoft has set 17 February 2000 as the launch date for its much-awaited Windows 2000 operating system. Microsoft announced this to its partners attending Windows 2000 Marketing Day in Las Vegas.
The product will be launched in San Francisco at the IDG World Expo's Windows 2000 Conference and Expo trade show, slated for 15 - 17 February at the Moscone Center. This news had begun to circulate in unofficial circles earlier this month.
Windows 2000 is to undergo its third and final beta test with a select group of testers between now and the final launch. The beta software, Release Candidate 3, is to be given to a select group of testers from the 6.5-lakh-plus group that tested the earlier version, RC2.
The build-up to the launch will start from the Fall Comdex but might not match in size or hype Windows 95's launch five years ago. Microsoft is planning to make Windows 2000 an international launch.
Microsoft will focus on four key marketing messages at the Windows 2000 launch -- the ability of Windows 2000 to "Internet-enable" businesses; its reliability; its manageability; and its status as the "best platform for new devices" because of its Plug and Play and streaming video support.
However, the client/server upgrade to Windows NT 4.0 will not hit the market in time to be available widely in 1999. The company is also working to make available solutions for this platform.