Outsourcing
Gartner, 12/11/03: Predictions for Outsourcing in 2004
The outsourcing service market continues to grow as other service segments remain flat or shrink. Drivers have changed in the last three years, but the imperatives for enterprises considering outsourcing are constant.
When the economy takes a downturn, the number of enterprises that outsource IT services increases. During the past three years, outsourcing has been the bright spot in the IT service market, as more enterprises look to reduce the costs of delivering IT services. At the end of 2003, there are some encouraging signs that the economy is improving. Gartner analysts are frequently asked, "With an improved economy, will outsourcing decline?" The short answer is, "No."
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Microsoft
Microsoft Watch, 12/17/03: What's Up With SUS?
By Mary Jo Foley
Microsoft is reiterating that it is delaying the start of its Software Update Services (SUS) 2.0 beta program, according to the folks at the ieXBeta site. SUS is yet another of Microsoft's automatic patch-update sites, but one specifically aimed at mid-sized companies.
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Internetnews.com, 12/17/03: Microsoft's Juiced-Up Sarbanes-Oxley Tools
By Susan Kuchinskas
Microsoft (Quote, Chart) is gearing up to unleash a new Office Accelerator, the latest in its line of the applications that customize Microsoft desktop applications for specific lines of business.
This time, the Office Accelerator is designed to help companies comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
The federal mandate requires public companies to certify and document their "internal controls" on financial reporting. Microsoft has previously announced that it would create the Sarbanes-Oxley components as part of its Office Accelerators initiative.
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Infoworld, 12/17/03: Microsoft plans Windows 2000 Server retirement
Phase out will begin April 1, 2004
By Joris Evers
Microsoft Corp. will gradually phase out its Windows 2000 Server family, the company said Wednesday. Effective April 1, 2006, the products will no longer be available.
The retirement announcement comes eight months after the introduction of Windows Server 2003, the successor to Windows 2000 Server, and almost four years after the Windows 2000 Server launch on Feb. 17, 2000.
Retirement of Windows 2000 Server will be spread out over a two-year period starting on April 1, 2004. From that date, Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Advanced Server will no longer be available through the retail channel or through Microsoft's volume licensing programs, the Redmond, Washington-based software maker said in a posting on its Web site.
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