DOD clears Windows 2000
On his last day of work, Art Money OK'd military implementation of Windows 2000.
On his last day of work, the Defense Department's chief information officer gave the green light for military implementation of Microsoft Corp. Windows 2000.
Art Money, whose last day was April 6, lifted his May 31, 2000, roadblock to the installation of Windows 2000. Now, DOD organizations may use Windows 2000 without first having to list their hardware and software replacement costs, software licensing fees and maintenance.
A key component of the Windows 2000 Server is Microsoft Active Directory, which some compare to Novell Inc.'s Directory Services. Microsoft Active Directory gives systems administrators a place to store data about network users and devices, such as application files, servers and printers. The directory simplifies management and improves security and interoperability, according to Microsoft.
Money wrote April 6 that the Defense Information Systems Agency has developed criteria for Windows 2000 to "ensure a consistent Windows 2000 Active Directory naming structure" within DOD, "thus providing the highest level of interoperability." Using Windows 2000 is not mandatory, Money wrote.
The Army's Active Directory pilot is its Global Combat Support System logistics program, which will use Windows 2000 on more than 40,000 workstations during the next few years. The Air Force Air Mobility Command is also deploying Windows 2000, said Keith Hodson, a Microsoft Government spokesman.
Sailors and Marines will receive Windows 2000 by 2003 as part of the Navy Marine Corps Intranet.
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