Microsoft operating systems development and strategy : an assessment of the Windows 2000 Server operating system

Microsoft began development of Windows NT in the late 1980s as an applied research and development project. Since then it has become the number one network operating system on the market. With the release of Windows 2000, Microsoft has followed through on its strategy of operating system consolidation and formed a new family of servers. The Windows 2000 Server Family is the next generation of Windows NT and consolidates many of the features of Windows 95/98 into its operating system. This thesis examines the history of Microsoft and its strategy leading to the development of Windows 2000. It investigates the Windows 2000 Server Family editions, features and technologies introduced in the operating system Then, methods of preparing an existing network for the deployment or migration to Windows 2000 are provided. A discussion of network security issues and features introduced by Windows 2000 is provided. This study provides IT managers with the background knowledge required to assess implementation issues surrounding Windows 2000.