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MS backs down on Win2002 Server AD limits

And we'd just like to say this new name isn't working for us...

Microsoft has backed down from one of the proposed packaging changes for Windows 2002 Server (formerly Whistler) that it trailed in March. These seemed calculated to force customers with larger networks to buy the more expensive Advanced Server product, although Microsoft did stress to beta testers that the changes were proposals only.

The feedback Microsoft got from both testers and customers (who were sneaked to by people like us) is thought to have been heavily negative. This has resulted in the removal of the proposed limit of two Active Directory servers per network for Windows 2002 Server. At least at the moment the hardware changes, which dropped the spec from four CPUs to two, and memory from eight gigs to four, remain.

We're not sure how firm the reworked packaging now is, and what Microsoft is doing about the other change, which limited Server's Terminal Server capability to remote administration, meaning you'd need Advanced Server for Application Services.

But if the climb-down is going to be confined to AD, then it's no doubt the case that Microsoft still wants to push businesses up to Advanced Server, but has recognised the essential dumbness of giving its customers another good reason not to adopt Active Directory. They've been unenthusiastic enough as it is.

Related links:
MS hobbling WinXP Server, pushing users to Advanced version?

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