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Microsoft ended general support for Windows NT4 Server on 31 December 2004. From 1 January 2005, businesses will no longer be able to count on Microsoft to issue the software patches that keep Windows NT4 Sever protected and otherwise up-to-date.
Peter Houston, senior director of Windows serviceablity states that Microsoft will release bug fixes for Windows NT4 only if there is a 'Blaster class' security vulnerability with far-reaching risks. As those are expected to be rare events, companies wanting the safety of Microsoft security fixes and other help will need custom contracts. Microsoft will support custom contracts through 2006.
Windows NT was launched in July 1993 with the introduction of Windows NT3.1, followed by Windows NT3.5 and Windows NT4.
The operating system became so popular that year-on-year sales grew at 150%, propelling Microsoft into the computer server market.
IDC analyst Al Gillen says, "NT was a very important crossroads for Microsoft. It was the transitional product that brought Microsoft from the desktop to the server side."
It is because Windows NT4 lacks the newer features of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 that Microsoft has decommissioned it.
Windows NT gained popularity because it was relatively easy to deploy, not requiring the level of expertise needed for Unix. It also has the familiar look of the Windows desktop operating system.
Some of the code of Windows NT was carried over into Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003.
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