Windows NT 4.0 Option Pack

Feature Only in Enterprise Edition   This feature is supported only in Visual C++ Enterprise Edition. For more information, see Visual C++ Editions.

Visual C++ 6.0 Enterprise Edition now includes the Microsoft Windows NT® 4.0 Option Pack. The Windows NT Option Pack delivers a set of new application services that enable the development of the next generation of distributed network applications for both Windows NT Server 4.0 and also takes advantage of the next major release — the Windows NT Server 5.0 operating system. See Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Option Pack (http://www.microsoft.com/NTServer/nts/downloads/recommended/NT4OptPk/NTRelNotesUpdate.asp).

The Windows NT Option Pack contains the following components.

Certificate Server

Microsoft Certificate Server provides customizable services for issuing and managing certificates used in software security systems employing public-key cryptography. Certificate Server performs a central role in the management of software security systems to enable secure communications across the Internet, corporate intranets, and other nonsecure networks. See Introducing Certificate Server.

FrontPage Server Extensions

The FrontPage Server Extensions implement the FrontPage server-resident portions in three areas: authoring (uploading/downloads documents, updating the To Do List), administration (setting end user, author, and administrator permissions), and dynamic content (browse-time WebBot components). See FrontPage Server Extensions (http://www.microsoft.com/frontpage/wpp/kit/primer.htm).

Index Server

Microsoft Index Server works with Windows NT Server 4.0 operating system and Internet Information Server 2.0 to provide your organization access to all of the documents stored on your intranet or Internet site. It allows you to easily perform full-text searches and retrieve all types of information from any Web browser. See Index Server 2.0: What's New and Useful (http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver/guide/indexserver.asp).

Internet Connection Services for RAS

The Internet Connection Services for RAS include new Microsoft Connection Manager (CM), Connection Manager Administration Kit (CMAK), Internet Authentication Services (IAS), and Connection Point Services (CPS). See Internet Connection Services for Microsoft RAS Features (http://www.microsoft.com/communications/rasfeatures.htm).

Internet Information Server (IIS)

Windows NT Server with Internet Information Server (IIS) 4.0 makes it easy to share documents and information and, for the first time, deploy scalable and reliable Web-based applications. This new generation of networked business solutions brings legacy data and applications to the Web and enables redefining internal and external business processes. See Overview of Microsoft Internet Information Server 4.0 (http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/534_ov.htm).

Mail and News Services

Microsoft SMTP Service uses the standard Internet protocol Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to transport and deliver messages based on specifications in Request for Comments (RFC) 821 and RFC 822. It also includes enhancements that build upon the basic delivery functions of the protocol. There are options available that give you control over the routing and delivery of messages and that provide secure communications.

The Microsoft NNTP Service enables you to create newsgroups, to share information with colleagues. Creating newsgroups with Microsoft NNTP Service makes it easy for users in your organization to engage in discussions on various topics with each other and with users outside the organization.

Microsoft Data Access Components

The Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) enable easy use of databases with support for ActiveX Data Objects and the Microsoft Access driver. This release enables access to information across an organization, from the desktop to the enterprise. MDAC 1.5 is released as an integrated set of components and includes ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) 1.5, OLE DB 1.5, and Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) 3.5. MDAC is integrated with Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and has enhancements to ADO and support for remote users. See Microsoft to Release Microsoft Data Access Components 1.5 (http://www.microsoft.com/data/mdac15_press.htm).

Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

For integration, delegation, task orientation, and overall interface simplification, the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) provides an improved environment in which Microsoft and ISVs can present management tools called snap-in components (snap-ins). Microsoft Management Console is a Windows®-based multiple document interface (MDI) application that makes extensive use of Internet technologies. See Purpose of the Console.

Microsoft Message Queue Server (MSMQ)

Microsoft Message Queue Server (MSMQ), also known by its code name Falcon, makes it easy for application programs to communicate with other application programs quickly, reliably, and asynchronously by sending and receiving messages. MSMQ offers ActiveX support, dynamic routing and configuration, multiple delivery and acknowledgment options, and integration with Windows NT security facilities. MSMQ also offers interoperability with other key platforms and applications, such as IBM's CICS and MQSeries, through products from Level 8 Systems. See MSMQ Features (http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver/appservice/exec/overview/MSMQ_Overview.asp).

Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS)

Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS) is a component-based transaction processing system for developing, deploying, and managing high-performance, scalable, and robust enterprise, Internet, and intranet server applications. See What's New in MTS.

Site Server

Site Server is a comprehensive Web site environment for enhancing, deploying, and managing rich intranet and Internet Web sites. Site Server provides ways for businesses to understand more about their users, deliver more relevant information, and better appeal to shoppers. See What's New in Site Server 3.0 (http://www.microsoft.com/siteserver/guide/whatsnew.asp).

SNA Server

Microsoft SNA Server is a comprehensive gateway and application integration platform that enables you to use Internet, intranet, and client-server technologies while preserving investments in existing AS/400 and mainframe systems. SNA allows developers to preserve existing CICS and IMS environments while moving to a three tier client/server or Web-to-host computing environment. See Overview of Microsoft SNA Server 4.0 (http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/601_ov.htm).

Windows Scripting Host

The Microsoft Windows Scripting Host is a language-independent scripting host for ActiveX™ scripting engines on 32-bit Windows platforms. Windows Scripting Host will be integrated into Windows 98, Windows NT Workstation version 5.0, and Windows NT Server version 5.0. See About Windows Scripting Host.

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