Microsoft Corp put an end to industry speculation this week by confirming it would launch Windows 2000 on February 17 at the IDG World Expo’s Windows 2000 Conference and Expo. As previously reported by ComputerWire, Microsoft confirmed the long-awaited upgrade to its Windows NT 4.0 operating system would not be available by the end of 1999, as expected, but would instead become generally available to OEMs and the retail channel the following February. Officials for the Redmond, Washington-based software giant told a 600-strong audience at its Partners Marketing Day in Las Vegas this week that Windows 2000 would be released to manufacturing in 1999 to meet next year’s deadline, although they stressed the final release would depend on continued feedback from early-adopter customers. The version currently available is Release Candidate 2, with RC3 expected to be made available around the Comdex timeframe in mid-November.
