Win 2000 outsells NT

Sales of Microsoft Windows 2000 will outnumber sales of Windows NT by 1.7 million in the fourth quarter, as more companies switch to the new operating system, according to IDC.

The research group estimates that by the end of 2001, Windows 2000 shipments could account for almost 71% of all Windows NT and Windows 2000 shipments.

“The majority of the transition to Windows 2000 is taking place now and will continue for the next 12-18 months,” said Al Gillen, manager of IDC’s System Software research.

“Reasons for this fast acceptance include support for new hardware technologies that Windows NT Workstation 4.0 did not offer such as universal serial bus, advanced power management, and plug-and-play support that works,” said Gillen.

IDC estimates by the end of this year, Windows 2000 Professional shipments will account for more than 40% of combined Windows 2000 Professional and Windows NT Workstation shipments. The market analyst company also estimates that by the end of 2001, Windows 2000 Professional's share will rise to 72%.

Although Windows 2000 Server has not been adopted as quickly, it is picking up. It will account for about 35% of all Windows server shipments during December 2000, compared with just 16% for the whole of the year.