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Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft Challenges Sun Microsystems in Server Operating System Market

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft, under the leadership of new CEO Steve Ballmer, has launched a challenge to Sun Microsystems for dominance in the server operating system market. Ballmer announced the official launch of Windows 2000, a business-focused operating system designed to bolster Microsoft's market share in e-commerce and enterprise computer servers. This move marks a significant shift in the company's strategy, with Windows 2000 aiming to compete directly with Sun's Solaris and the rising popularity of Linux.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft's Windows 2000 operating system aims to increase the company's share of the market for e-commerce and enterprise computer servers.
  • Steve Ballmer stated that Windows 2000 represents the opportunity to deliver the best Windows for the PC ever, marking a significant product introduction for the company in the past five years.
  • The operating system is targeted at business users, with Microsoft hoping to expand its market share in the sector, where almost 50% of commerce web sites currently run on Windows NT, the predecessor to Windows 2000.
  • Microsoft views Windows 2000 as a foundation for its work on developing a comprehensive approach to what it terms a "uniform computing infrastructure."
  • Ballmer acknowledged the rising popularity of Linux, stating the company was working on ways to compete effectively with the free operating system.
  • Microsoft is also positioning Windows 2000 as a competitor to Sun's Solaris operating system, with Ballmer claiming that the new release would give the company the ammunition to "go after Sun."

Statistics:

  • Almost 50% of commerce web sites run on Windows NT, the predecessor to Windows 2000.
  • Microsoft views the launch of Windows 2000 as a significant shift in the company's strategy, with the operating system aimed at business users and targeted at expanding its market share in e-commerce and enterprise computer servers.
  • Windows 2000 will be launchedofficially at simultaneous events in 100 cities.

Sources:

  • "Microsoft challenges Sun for leadership in server operating system market" - Financial Times
  • "Ballmer Launches Windows 2000" - unattributed (exact date or publication date not mentioned in original text)

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