Application Compatibility
The function of the network and the supporting infrastructure is to
service users to provide them with the tools that they need to perform
their work as effectively as possible. The tools that the majority
of users require are applications. Deploying Windows 2000
Professional should provide an environment that supports application
requirements to an equal or greater degree than does the existing
infrastructure.
The aim of application testing is to force compatibility and integration
issues into the open before they become a production problem.
Depending on the environment, testing can become increasingly more
complex, requiring both time and skilled resources. At a minimum,
there should be these two areas of exploration:
 Application compatibility
 Application integration
Testing for application compatibility is the process of ensuring
that applications perform as expected. Application testing is of critical
importance, even in environments that use Windows NT exclusively.
Windows 2000 has undergone major architectural
enhancements, several of which may change the way applications
function.
Testing application integration involves determining whether
applications can leverage the new and existing technology that
Windows 2000 provides. A slew of exciting new technologies are
available with Windows 2000, many of which are targeted at
enabling applications. Some applications may need to be rewritten
or may require updates to leverage the new technology.
The testing process is where a good relationship with your vendor
is essential. If the application sports the Made for Windows
2000 logo, you can be sure it is Windows 2000 compatible.
Applications that comply to the Windows 2000 Application
Specification (http://msdn.microsoft.com/certification) are guaranteed
to be compatible and leverage the new technology afforded by
Windows 2000.
Commercial applications can undergo testing by VeriTest, an
independent testing company, provided they comply with the
Windows 2000 Application Specification. Applications that pass the
tests conducted by VeriTest can then be certified. It is important to
note that applications can comply with the Windows 2000
Application Specification without being certified.
Many applications have already undergone testing, the results
of which can be found on the Microsoft Web site (www.microsoft.com/
windows2000/upgrade/compat/). The directory hosted by Microsoft
classifies applications according to the following criteria:
 Certified The application completed tests run by VeriTest
and takes advantage of new Windows 2000 features.
 Ready The application has been tested for compatibility by
the vendor and supports Windows 2000.
 Planned The application is intended to achieve Certified or
Ready status sometime in the future.