Early OEM release for Win2000 code

Microsoft has confirmed this week that it is already shipping final Windows 2000 code to broadline and OEM distributors, three weeks before its 17 February release date.

Microsoft has confirmed this week that it is already shipping final Windows 2000 code to broadline and OEM distributors, three weeks before its 17 February release date.

Adele Knox-Roberts, Microsoft distribution sales manager, said the shipment was part of a strategic initiative for Windows 2000. "It is common for distributors to have the product in advance," she said.

It has also emerged that the pricing of some editions of Windows 2000 compare favourably with its NT 4.0 equivalent for systems builders and OEMs. Microsoft will offer a price break on Windows 2000 Professional by offering a three-pack for about $386 (£250) - a $100 saving on a three-pack of NT Workstation 4.0.

But Windows 2000 Server will be priced at about $725, up from about $659 for NT Server 4.0.

- Microsoft has terminated its large-account reseller agreements with Business Systems Group, Servo Holdene and ME Electronics.

David Hooper, Microsoft channel sales manager, said: "They didn't see licensing as core to their strategy." At the same time, Microsoft appointed Ultima Business Systems as a LAR.