Microsoft is phasing out Windows NT 4.0, its 5-year-old operating system for businesses. Microsoft on Monday discontinued the server version of NT because of increased demand for its newer replacement, Windows 2000, and because of the forthcoming release of Windows XP. The software giant is no longer selling NT Server 4.0 via its volume licensing programs, through which businesses can buy the operating system in bulk and with a discount, according to Microsoft's Web site. The software giant, however, will continue to sell individual copies of NT 4.0 through retail stores. Businesses can also still buy NT Server 4.0 in bulk by purchasing Windows 2000 licenses. But analysts don't expect many companies will want to buy the older operating system.
|