No matter how small your network or your needs, you should not install Windows 2000 without preparing an implementation and deployment plan. This chapter covers planning for Windows 2000 Server and takes you through the steps required to formulate and execute a deployment plan. | Planning for Windows 2000 Server No matter how small your network or your needs you should not install Windows 2000 without preparing an implementation and deployment plan. This chapter covers planning for Windows 2000 Server and takes you through the steps required to formulate and execute a deployment plan. In This Chapter Steps to Implementation Implementing a Deployment Plan Steps to Implementation Many of you are probably following the advice of your peers Microsoft should release the first service pack or two to Windows 2000 before you touch it. Here s your wake-up call You need to install Windows 2000 Server now. Not after one or two service packs. Now. Are we paid Microsoft supporters No. We just want to make sure you get on the train when it stops at your station. By now we do not mean you have to rush out and install it in a production environment. But you have to start testing now understanding now and learning now. You have to plan for Windows 2000 Server and this advice is aimed at not only the multi-national company with 432 981 employees in 65 countries but also at the single-person company that you ll find around the next corner. Why the rush Windows 2000 Server is a shocker. It is more stable at release time than NT was and in many cases even without its advanced functionality it is preferable to install Windows 2000 than Windows NT . It is not only years ahead 98 Part II Planning Installation and Configuration of its time it is also more stable without its first service pack than Windows NT at service pack and higher. However there is something else you need to know. Don t be fooled into thinking that the competition even another department in your company is adopting the wait-and-see position. Windows 2000 provides such a huge competitive advantage when wisely adopted that the early implementers could end up well ahead of you and their competition on the Web in office productivity in security in lowering TCO in administration and .
