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"Designed For" Not Good Enough

Microsoft Corp. will replace its current "Designed For Windows NT" logo with a new icon that will identify one of several levels of compatibility with Windows 2000. The program, says BJ Whalen, product manager for Windows 2000, ensures applications will meet a variety of criteria, including passing tests for proper installation in a Windows 2000 environment, works properly in a secure environment, and will support the concept of roaming users in a Windows 2000 environment.

"As we were preparing this program, we asked customers, 'What do you want?'" says Whalen. We prioritized development efforts for ISVs based on what we heard from customers."

While the "Designed for BackOffice" logo program began with equally noble objectives 3 years ago, the logo has fallen from favor as Windows 2000 nears availability. The revised program -- which company officials describe as not being a logo program -- will include different levels of compliance, including a Windows 2000 Professional grade, Server and Advanced Server grades.

The testing process, which took about a day for a "Designed For BackOffice" certification, is expected to take about 5 days now. "The point is not to get a logo, it is to get a good application," says Whalen. -- Al Gillen

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

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