Microsoft returns some LAN features to Windows ME

Just as quietly as Microsoft Corp. eliminated network features from its forthcoming Windows ME, it has now returned a few to the operating system.

In March, Microsoft confirmed it had stripped from Windows Millennium Edition (ME) the software needed to connect the operating system to NetWare or Banyan (now called ePresence) file servers. Microsoft also said that ME would not have a client for Active Directory.

Enterprise users who were committed to the Windows 95/98 upgrade path were shocked to find out they would lose the ability to integrate the new operating system with their heterogeneous networks. They were also upset that some telecommuters and mobile workers would not be able to access corporate networks and felt the ME network omissions were merely a forced march to Windows 2000.

Last month, Microsoft partially relented, returning the NetWare client to the feature list of ME, but leaving the ePresence software out because of little or no customer demand. The company also reiterated that ME is a consumer-oriented operating system.

But Microsoft did not address whether an Active Directory client will be supplied with the software. Without that client, users will not be able to connect to the directory in Windows 2000.

“Microsoft is still vague on [Active Directory support],” said Neil MacDonald, an analyst with the Gartner Group, which first brought the ME issue to light. “There will be an Active Directory client for 9.x and indeed it may run on ME, however, what we are looking for from Microsoft is explicit commitment that they will support this configuration. Customers should continue to pressure Microsoft for this final confirmation.”

Microsoft has already announced an Active Directory client for Windows 95 and 98.

Critics originally called the removal of the LAN software shortsighted because ME still provided Microsoft the potential to generate revenue from corporate customers. Critics also said the moves were forcing users to a more expensive upgrade with Windows 2000.

For enterprise customers, the elimination of the LAN clients from ME essentially recreated issues they’ve faced when contemplating a move from Windows 9.x to NT Workstation, most notably higher cost for migration and licensing, as well as application and hardware compatibility.

But MacDonald believes that bad press and customer complaints forced Microsoft to reconsider.

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Previous article
Next article

Featured Articles

Cybersecurity in 2024: Priorities and challenges for Canadian organizations 

By Derek Manky As predictions for 2024 point to the continued expansion...

Survey shows generative AI is a top priority for Canadian corporate leaders.

Leaders are devoting significant budget to generative AI for 2024 Canadian corporate...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now