Microsoft releases Windows 2000 Datacenter Server to manufacturing

Microsoft announced Friday that it has released Windows 2000 Datacenter Server (Datacenter) to manufacturing and delivered the long-delayed high-end version of its 32-bit operating system to partners and OEMs. Datacenter is the final member of the current generation Windows 2000 family, and it offers the scalability and reliability that its most demanding customers require. Datacenter will be officially launched on September 26th at an event that will feature all of the company's new and upcoming Windows 2000-based server products.

"We are delighted at the level of customer anticipation and industry momentum surrounding Windows 2000 Datacenter Server and the Windows Datacenter Program," says Microsoft president and CEO Steve Ballmer. "The program brings together the industry's leaders to provide a high-quality, fully integrated, tested and supported solution for our customers. This week I am pleased to report that Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Unisys have signed, joining Compaq, as Authorized Datacenter Partners, while other industry leaders are expected to join in time for the September 26 launch."

To ensure that Datacenter offers the most compelling solution for customers, Microsoft has initiated the Windows Datacenter Program (WDP), which ensures that all of the hardware and software components that go into a Datacenter system are of the highest quality. Like Datacenter itself, the WDP will be kicked off September 26th during Microsoft's Enterprise 2000 Launch event. For more information about Datacenter, please visit the Microsoft Web site