Windows NT 4 support to come at price in '05

Microsoft reiterated on Friday that companies still using Windows NT Server 4 going into 2005 will have to sign up for a custom contract to get support.

Microsoft is offering up to two years of custom support to companies still using the OS when Microsoft ceases its extended support for the program at the end of 2004.

The company has decided to expand the for-free program to cover more security issues. Microsoft is now pledging to offer fixes for vulnerabilities rated either as "critical" or "important." Previously, the software maker had only committed to fixing critical flaws.

Those fixes will be available only to those that take part in the paid custom-support program, though Microsoft has said it would offer a patch publicly were there to be another virus on the order of Blaster.

"We will act to protect the integrity of the Internet," said Peter Houston, senior director of Windows serviceability.

At the same time, the company stressed that it is not changing the Dec. 31 end-of-life date for NT 4 Server. The desktop version of NT 4, NT 4 Workstation, reached end of life in June.

"My recommendation is that if you haven't done so already, begin your migrations immediately," Houston said. Those who need more time should take part in the custom service program, he said.

After spending much of this year talking to customers, Microsoft has decided to commit to offering the custom support for up to two years, though customers can purchase as little as three months' worth--an incentive for those that migrate quicker. The company has been trying to convince as many customers as possible to upgrade to newer versions, offering, among other things, a step-by-step migration guide on its Web site.

Microsoft would not say how much the program costs but said it is a flat fee regardless of how many servers a company has, with the fee based on the length of the contract.

Houston said he did not know the exact number of customers that have signed up for the custom support program, but he said it is on the order of 100--mostly businesses and government agencies that are among Microsoft's largest customers.

Microsoft also said Friday that it will offer a similar plan for its Exchange 5.5 e-mail server software when that program ends extended support at the end of 2005. Custom support for that program will run through the end of 2007.

Good, I'll move to openldap that much quicker

I'm seeing Microsoft as forcing people to choose their platform. It could be a good upcoming year for Linux openldap/samba moves. Most organizations are small and can't afford the expense of 2 year upgrade cycles. Not only that, I have learned that by learning Linux I don't throw away everything I've learned 2 years ago.

Just some rambling.

[rjdohnert]

Upgrades

This is not a forced upgrade. Windows NT 4 is 8 years old. It has reached its end. If you feel like Microsoft ends support to quickly, call Red Hat tell them you need support for Red Hat Linux 5.x or 6.x I can hear the laughter now.

[David Arbogast]

Say what??

Microsoft drops support for something 8-9 years old and you call it a sign that MS is forcing people to use Windows. I don't even have to logically rebut that statement, it is so wrong.

You said that organizations can't afford a 2 year upgrade cycle.
I'm guessing that this is a suggestion to avoid Linux????

Lets look at the Linux kernel release schedule, shall we?
V 1.0 1994
V 1.2 1995
V 2.0 1996
V 2.2 1999
V 2.4 2001
V 2.6 2003
Average: <2 years

Okay, now Windows:
NT 3.51 1995
NT 4.0 1996
Win 2000 2000
Win 2003 2003
Average: >2 years

[Ubber geek]

upgrade cycles

http://www.analogstereo.com/nakamichi/nakamichi_582_service_manual.htm

[zaznet]

The need to upgrade.

There is often no need to upgrade a given platform. Upgrades come because those resposible for making the decision to upgrade are not always the most technical. If you don't know that you need to upgrade, ask the guy developing the application you are running if it is needed. Often times the developers are able to get everything they need done on an older platform.

I am certain I can create a better slide show presentation on Harvar Graphics for DOS using a 386 with 4MB of RAM and no mouse than the average office secretary who has less than a year PC experience armed with a 3GHz Pentium 4 running Windows XP and the latest Office suite.

Those who intend to use and support a non-Microsoft supported Microsoft OS need to archive as much of the still available utilities and knowledge base articles as possible before they vanish from public access.

I think Microsoft has an unrealistic product life-cycle in general. It is designed to match their profits growth goals. When you have as many systems running your product as they do, you can't hope to increase at the same rate you have been without replacing what you have already sold.

I expect Microsoft to suffer from some major growing pains in the next three years if they lose their lifecycle plans.

[rjdohnert]

Actually

I find their lifecycle for NT 4 to be quite adequate. I side with Microsoft on this, NT 4 is dead time to move on. For those who dont, their are alternatives.