BackOffice Family

The Microsoft BackOffice family consists of Windows NT™ Server as the network foundation; Microsoft SQL Server™ for managing and storing data; Microsoft SNA Server for host connectivity; Microsoft Systems Management Server for managing PCs and servers; and Microsoft Mail Server for distributing information. Microsoft Mail Server will provide a direct upgrade path to Microsoft Exchange Server.

Microsoft BackOffice consists of the following products:

• Windows NT Server 3.5 is the network foundation of BackOffice. It provides the connectivity, reliability, base services, and administration tools necessary to deliver critical business information across a distributed network of computers. Windows NT Server supports nearly all desktop environments, as well as Novell® NetWare®, UNIX®, LAN Manager, PATHWORKS™, SNA-based systems, Banyan® VINES®, and Apple® Macintosh® networks. Increased performance, improved connectivity and management tools are the highlights of the most recent release.

• Microsoft SQL Server 4.21a relational database is the high-end database platform for managing and storing data. It supports transaction processing and decision support applications when high performance, reliability, and manageability are key requirements. Increased transaction throughput, direct support for PATHWORKS™ and AppleTalk® networks using native protocols, and improved open database connectivity (ODBC) drivers are the highlights of the most recent release.

• Microsoft SNA Server 2.1 offers host connectivity that connects Microsoft Windows®, MS-DOS®, Windows NT Workstation, Macintosh, and OS/2® -based desktops with AS/400® and IBM® mainframes. It provides flexible access to applications and data on IBM mainframe and AS/400 systems. Improved performance, support of 10,000 sessions and 2000 clients, UNIX client support, and support of APPC and HLLAPI are highlights of the most recent release.

• Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.0 manages PCs and servers, which helps reduce support costs by centralizing common network administrative tasks that typically cost organizations significant amounts of time and money. It has four primary functions: hardware and software inventory, automated software distribution and installation, remote systems troubleshooting and control, and network application management.

• Microsoft Mail Server 3.2 distributes information, making it easy for end users to create, manage, and share information and provides a reliable messaging infrastructure with advanced tools for administrators. It is the easiest way to communicate with anyone, anywhere and is the foundation of a complete electronic messaging solution. Microsoft Mail will provide a direct upgrade path to Microsoft Exchange Server, the client-server messaging system scheduled to ship in 1995.