2003 Year in Review

Written on Dec 31 2003 Filed under: Tip 9,163 views, 0 comments

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by Brian Madden

Let's start off with a look at some of the major server-based computing events of 2003:

March

• Citrix's unveils a new product bundling and pricing strategy. MetaFrame XP is now called “MetaFrame XP Presentation Server.” The entire Access Suite, consisting of Presentation Server, Password Manager, Conferencing Manager, and Secure Access Manager costs an astonishing $600 per user.

May

• Tarantella buys New Moon.

June

• Brian Madden leaves HP to run this website and write full time.
• Secure Computing Launches Safeword for Citrix MetaFrame—a direct challenge to RSA's SecurID.
• Tarantella launches New Moon Canaveral 2.0.
• The first rumors start to emerge about something big in the Terminal Server group at Microsoft.

August

• “Bear Paw” becomes a household name.

September

• Citrix launches a $14M brand campaign targeted towards regular people. The term “Access Infrastructure” is used for the first time.

October

• MetaFrame “ Hudson ” (MetaFrame Presentation Server 2004) features are leaked.
• theTHIN.net is offered for sale at $80k, then $50k (no offers were made)
• Tarantella is delisted from the NASDAQ
• Citrix's iForum has a great turnout with 2500 attendees and 48 sponsors

November

• Softricity releases SoftGrid 3.0.

December

• EMC buys VMware
• Citrx buys Expertcity (GoToMyPC)
• Tarantella appoints a new CEO

In addition to the timeline, I'd like to point out what I think were the highlights and worst moments of 2003 for our industry. First, the highlights:

Best of 2003

• Citrix buys Expertcity.
• Citrix spends money on advertising.
• Other third party server-based computing products challenge Citrix's monopoly.
• Softricity Softgrid 3.

Worst of 2003

• Windows 2000 SP4 (when used with MetaFrame XP FR3).
• Citrix and Microsoft deny everything about Bear Paw.
• EMC buys VMware.
• Tarantella is delisted from the NASDAQ.

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