Microsoft Rebrands Next Windows Server

Microsoft on Thursday announced intentions to rename Windows .NET Server 2003 to Windows Server 2003, stripping the .NET namesake the company has sought to tack onto many of its upcoming products. Redmond employees and partners received word of the change via e-mail, which stated other products would undergo similar rebranding.

Windows Server 2003 is the fourth name given to the product originally code-named Whistler Server. First deemed Windows 2002 Server in April 2001, Microsoft changed the name to Windows .NET Server in June 2001 and again renamed the product to Windows .NET Server 2003 last August due to severe development delays.

"In response to customer and partner feedback to provide clarity around our .NET strategy and programs," Microsoft wrote. "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."

.NET Connected will serve as a logo program -- much like the current "Designed for Windows" program -- for applications delivering Web services using the .NET Framework.

Microsoft says the change will not affect the final shipping date for Windows Server 2003, which is currently slated for April 24, 2003. Release Candidate 2 of Windows Server 2003 shipped in early December and is available for download through Microsoft's Customer Preview Program.