Microsoft here today announced Microsoft Commercial Internet System (MCIS) 2.0, a suite of server software for Web hosting, electronic commerce and managed network services, offered by Internet service providers.
MCIS 2.0, part of BackOffice server suites, runs on Windows NT Server 4.0 and will be available before September, the company said.
Deployed by Digital Equipment and Compaq Computer among others, MCIS 2.0 can be managed from multiple interfaces such as browsers, command lines and the Microsoft Management Console and interoperates with Unix systems, Microsoft said.
Other features in MCIS 2.0 include:
--an integrated storage and management system for user accounts, authentication and access that scales to tens of millions of users and uses the LDAP (light-weight directory access protocol) and Microsoft Active Directory Services Interfaces;--E-mail, news chat and Microsoft NetMeeting-based multimedia conferencing, as well as streaming media services;--Internet Connection Services for Microsoft Remote Access Service Commercial Edition for building virtual private networks and providing dial and roaming services;--Web site hosting services for creating content and Site Server 3.0 Commerce Edition for online marketing and sales.