Microsoft to launch .Net server as Windows Server 2003?

So it would appear. Joe the Moose has sent us this - thanks joe.

"The product name Microsoft(R) Windows(R) .NET Server 2003 will be changing to Windows Server 2003. Microsoft is making an effort to clarify the naming and branding strategy for .NET. As support for Web services becomes intrinsic across our entire product line, we are moving toward a consistent naming and branding strategy to better enable partners to affiliate with this strategy and customers to identify .NET-enabled products. The first product to be affected is Windows .NET Server 2003. The new name for the next version of Windows is Windows Server 2003. This information still needs to be treated confidential under NDA and will not be public until Thursday, January 9, 2003. This will not affect our time frame for launch, which is still planned for April 2003."

The specific reason for the name change is thus :

"In response to customer and partner feedback to provide clarity around our .NET strategy and programs. Specifically, we are moving toward a branding approach where ".NET Connected" is the way we communicate our products (and our partners' products) that enable customers to easily and consistently connect disparate information, systems, and devices to meet their people and business needs, regardless of underlying platform or programming languages. "

Intreged? It would appear MS are launching yet another strategy / brand ideal here; perhaps the same thing under a different name. Either way, this will probably just cause more confusion amongst customers. Ah well! Read more for further details and a quick FAQ thing from MS on the topic.

View: Microsoft.com