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Story: The game's up for Windows 2000

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Leslie, somehow I don't envision installing Windows 2003 Server on all sorts of desktops.

Also keep in mind that the future arrival of Longhorn (part 1, 2 and 3) has been announced somewhat. As well as Blackcomb. So I fail to see how people can surely save money by first investing (not just licenses, there's work to be done first before actually being able to make use of it) in solutions that so far differ in what was promised versus what was actually delivered (again) only to be replaced by yet another new solution that still needs to be delivered and already has given in on its earlier promises (again). Not to mention Windows 2003 SP1 and XP SP2.

Personally I would adopt a wait and see approach and if I can't wait that long start investigating alternative solutions (which could include making the best of what one has currently in the mean time) so that I'm well prepared and have my options open for when it's time for some real, strategic, decision making.

Should Microsoft however make the mistake of not keeping Windows 2000 up-to-date (certainly as far as security patches are concerned) until I'm ready to make a decision then I would concider that as a clear indication of what will await me if I was to adopt Windows 2003 now. It's not that I'm alone in that situation. About half the world is. Not to mention Windows 98 that's also still out there in fast numbers (why else would Microsoft still be making security patches for that available?).

As for your statements that Windows 2003 or any of the other products you mention would beat the competition hands down. Well, there are those that would disagree with you. Perhaps inspired by plenty of real-life experience with the products you mention and various alternative solutions.

That said. I do believe that almost anything can be made to work but the question is at what price (overall). Do be aware that 'price' isn't restricted to just license and implementation costs.

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