Microsoft Corp. today detailed several programs to help customers and software developers prepare for the release of Windows� .NET Server. The Customer Preview Program, the Microsoft� Enterprise Engineering Center (EEC) and the Certified for Windows program help ensure that customers and industry partners enjoy optimized performance and reliability from the Windows .NET Server platform. The programs were announced in conjunction with Windows .NET Server reaching release candidate 1 (RC1) status.

"This is all about customer satisfaction and quality," said Bill Veghte, vice president of the Windows Server Group at Microsoft. "The customer, partner and engineering programs we are introducing underscore Microsoft's commitment to delivering the highest-quality, higher-customer-satisfaction Windows .NET Server possible. These programs help our customers and partners better prepare for the upcoming release and enable us to make certain that Windows .NET Server is the most productive platform available for powering connected applications, networks and Web services."