The clock is winding down on Windows NT, the operating system that propelled Microsoft into the computer server market 11 years ago. The last day Microsoft will provide general support for Windows NT Server 4.0 is Dec. 31, after which companies need custom contracts if they want the safety of Microsoft security fixes and other help.
The Windows NT brand was launched in July 1993 with the introduction of Windows NT 3.1, followed by Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 3.51, and Windows NT 4.0 The operating system became so popular that year-over-year sales were growing at 150% about the time Windows NT Server 4.0 was introduced in August 1996. With the leading market share for server operating systems today, Microsoft's success started with Windows NT.
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