Hi Jess,

Microsoft is preparing to release a new version of window 2000. The new version of window 2000 is another step in the morphing of the windows operating system to an internet operating system.

part of the news release in "Network World" Follows:

REDMOND, WASH. -- Microsoft is poised to provide new tools to join multiple implementations of Active Direcotyr, but the comapny still stongly recommends against the practice because it can create unnecessary and problematic complexity.

The mixed message has network execcutives scratching their heads as they try to reconcile the need to build directories that recognize orgainzational security boundaries with the cautionary advice from Microsoft.

The confusion is coming to the forefront as Microsoft is introducting a feature with Windows.Net Server -- due for release by year end--that supports complex deployments of Active Directory.

The feature, called cross-forest trust, lets users tie together, or federate, multiple directory "forests," which are collections of domains that house information about users, computers and other resources.

Companies can use the forests to create walls of administrative security between business units or intranets and extranets but still let user sign on in one forest and access approved resources in another.

As .NET becomes more and more NET foundation class oriented, its break from the old window OS will boarden. I have not heard Microsoft address the issue of backward compatibilty regarding COM, DCOM, or anything else. At a recent announcement about the upcoming .NET 2000 operating system, many IT CIO were concerned that Microsoft did not address this issue. It may be two soon to know exactly what to do regarding the question this thread is asking. I don't know whether to jump on .NET, remain legacy, or what. Eventually I may be forced to do something even if its wrong.