REDMOND, Wash., June 6, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the feature set for Microsoft® BackOffice® Server 2000, the next version of the leading comprehensive server suite for Windows® 2000 that reduces the cost and complexity of building, deploying and managing integrated and scalable IT solutions for branch offices, departments and medium-sized businesses.
BackOffice Server 2000 will feature new and updated suite integration tools, including a new MultiServer configuration option, which allows flexible and scalable server deployment; an updated BackOffice Server Deployment Wizard, which facilitates consistent server configuration across branch offices in an organization; the new Health Monitor 2.1, for server monitoring and troubleshooting; new remote server administration through Windows Terminal Services; and an updated Intranet Productivity Site with COM+-based applications.
New and Updated Features Address Customers’ Evolving Needs
Simplified Deployment
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The new MultiServer deployment option allows customers to configure a single BackOffice Server 2000 license for use on up to three physical servers, resulting in improved server flexibility, scalability and reliability. The MultiServer Planning Wizard guides IT administrators through server setup by helping them design their deployment before installing components. In addition, value-added suite features such as the BackOffice Server Management Console, Health Monitor, intranet applications and Deployment Wizard are all MultiServer-aware.
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The updated integrated, scenario-based setup eases the deployment of intranet servers with improved dependency checking and error handling across all suite components, and includes new central and branch office server deployment scenarios. BackOffice Server Setup reduces complexity by automatically defaulting common parameters, consolidating the number of dialogs IT administrators must follow, and detecting current server component versions in order to upgrade or apply service packs as needed.
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The updated BackOffice Server Deployment Wizard , combined with the capability for unattended setup in BackOffice Server 2000, simplifies the rollout of a consistent server infrastructure across branch offices by automating the creation and use of customized installation scripts.
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The new Internet Connection Wizard makes it easier to use BackOffice Server 2000 as an organization’s gateway server to the Internet by guiding administrators through configuring Windows 2000, TCP/IP, e-mail and firewall services for secure Internet access.
Enhanced Management
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Updated BackOffice Server Management Consoles allow IT managers to delegate administrative duties according to roles and responsibilities, delivering custom consoles and task pads directly to technicians’ desktops. BackOffice Server 2000 provides an IT Professional and a Power User saved console, with prepopulated Favorites pages that connect to management tasks and additional documentation, as well as updated management wizards for common tasks, including persisted Active Directory™
queries. -
The new Health Monitor feature, by centrally collecting system data and exposing status-summary views of each server in an organization through a graphical user interface, enables IT administrators to remotely monitor and trouble-shoot servers in real time. Health Monitor sends server-status reports via fax or e-mail, and it provides customizable alerts and notification actions that can link administrators to articles on trouble-shooting.
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New Remote Administration via Windows 2000 Terminal Services enables administrators to manage their BackOffice-based servers via either an Internet connection and Web client, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 browser software, or a direct-dial RAS connection and Terminal Services client, with the same functionality found in the BackOffice Server Management Consoles on a LAN connection.
Comprehensive Solutions
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An updated Intranet Productivity Site helps administrators get their company intranets up and running quickly and provides four new Active Directory-based applications: People Finder, Document Library (based on Web folders), Company Calendar and Help Desk. The intranet site is customizable and fully configured as part of BackOffice Server 2000 setup, and demonstrates how developers can build n-tier COM+-based Web applications that integrate core BackOffice Server services.
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BackOffice Server 2000 will include new Shared Fax and Shared Modem Services for desktop-user communications, allowing users to send and receive faxes and dial out via pooled modem resources. Administrators can configure calling times and priorities, and manage incoming fax queues.
“BackOffice Server 2000 is the result of customer feedback to further integrate the suite,”
said Russell Stockdale, vice president of the Business Productivity Group at Microsoft.
“Great strides have been taken with this release to provide new tools and features for customers that will ultimately reduce the cost and complexity of building, deploying and managing integrated and scalable IT solutions.”
Updated Suite Offers the Latest Microsoft Server Applications
BackOffice Server 2000 will deliver many of the new and updated versions of the servers that are part of the Windows DNA 2000 platform to branch offices, departments and medium-sized businesses:
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Windows 2000 Server with Service Pack 1. The multipurpose operating system featuring the Active Directory service
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Exchange 2000 Server Standard Edition with Outlook
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2000 Service Release 1. A complete, Internet-standards-based messaging and collaboration server, coupled with a messaging and collaboration client -
SQL Server
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2000 Standard Edition. The complete database and analysis offering for rapid delivery of scalable e-commerce, line-of-business and data warehousing solutions -
Systems Management Server 2.0 with Service Pack 2. A change and configuration management tool for Windows-based systems
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Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000. An enterprise-class firewall and Web cache server
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Host Integration Server 2000. An Internet-standards-based support server offering services and programming components for Windows- to host-based applications and data
General availability of BackOffice Server 2000 is expected toward the end of 2000. Pricing will be announced at that time.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
The information contained in this document relates to a prerelease software product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the software product when first commercially released. This document is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to this document or the information contained in it.
Microsoft, BackOffice, Windows, Active Directory and Outlook are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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