Microsoft Set to Retire Windows 2000 Server

   A Microsoft representative alerted me this morning that the software giant would soon be retiring the Windows 2000 Server line. The products will be phased out over time beginning March 31, 2004, and ending with full retirement April 1, 2006. Microsoft notes that the product support plans for Win2K Server, announced in October 2002, haven't changed.
   "After nearly 4 years in the marketplace, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, and Windows 2000 Server Client Access Licenses (CALs) will be retired gradually in phases," the representative said. "After March 31, 2004, customers who need a copy of Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2000 Advanced Server can obtain a copy of Windows Server 2003 and exercise their downgrade rights or purchase disk kits." Beginning November 1, 2004, Win2K Server will no longer be available from PC makers and other OEMs, according to the company.
   If you're interested in more information about Win2K's life cycle, you can check out various Web pages that Microsoft has set up to describe how it plans to phase out the product line. Please visit one of the following Web pages:

Windows 2000 Server FAQ

Windows 2000 Server Product Availability Retirement