Microsoft has picked its dirty dozen for the UK launch of Windows 2000. The 12 companies in its Partner Rapid Deployment Programme (PRDP) group will push Windows 2000 out to corporate users keen to be among the first to use it. Some of the bigger names included in the list were Compaq, Computacenter, Hewlett-Packard and ICL. Notable absences from the list were IBM and Dell. The PRDP group will work on deployments and pilots, and will be trained in systems integration, training and support for Windows 2000 ahead of its launch. Anne Mitchard, Microsoft business and enterprise marketing manager, said those chosen had to show a large proportion of their business to be in services. The other companies on the PRDP scheme were Cap Gemini, Compel, Data General, ESOFT Global, Morse, OS Integration, Pygmalion Computer Group and Unisys. Mitchard said Windows 2000 would be launched by the end of the year. ®