Is Windows 2000 ready for full rollout? Yes.

by Nelson Ruest

February 5, 2001 —

Of course Windows 2000 is ready for full rollout. If you use Windows today, you cannot afford not to use Win 2000.

Win 2000 is not just a remake of Windows NT; it is a completely new system based on NT concepts. Several of Win 2000's new features are specifically oriented toward increased stability and 24-7 operation. Windows' system file protection and Windows Installer service ensure that the operating system is always stable because only the operating system has the right to modify system files. If any other application modifies these files or tries to "break" another application by replacing core Dynamic Link Libraries, they are automatically repaired. Network load balancing, built-in clustering, COM+ component sharing, direct integration with routers and integrated public-key infrastructures also extend Windows' capabilities.

The core of the Windows network has been completely redesigned to become Active Directory Service, an information repository that forms a virtual space in which people, PCs and processes can interact. Active Directory is the basis for the evolution of the network. With .Net Servers, Microsoft extends Win 2000's basic features to form a complete enterprise information system for messaging, e-commerce, host integration, business-to-business operations, data repositories and more. It all extends from the original design of your Active Directory. Yes, Microsoft has done its homework.

Don't take my word for it. Even though my company has implemented more than 100,000 stable systems with all versions of Win 2000, we're not the only ones who claim it's ready for prime time. In December, Giga Information Group released a report stating that "organizations will realize a significant return on investment with Win 2000, providing they take the time to do it right."

Doing it right means properly preparing your Win 2000 and Active Directory design. If Active Directory forms the core of your network and the basis for its evolution, you must ensure that its design properly represents your organization. If not, the network and its evolution will be stymied. Another key point is whether you decide to upgrade or reinstall. Upgrades tend to drag along limitations of the NT environment.

Complete reinstalls cost more initially but let you take full advantage of all of Win 2000's features.

It's clear that any organization that uses Windows should be using Win 2000. But don't get me wrong. Moving to Win 2000 is no easy affair. It will take a lot of effort and planning. You'll have to marshal resources from all levels of your company -- IT, human resources, communications and more -- if you want to do it right. But once it's done, you'll reap the rewards.

Network World