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In Windows 2000, Microsoft will provide a more integrated and full-featured solution. Terminal services become part of the standard NT server offering. That's welcome news for administrators who to date have had to maintain a separate version of NT, including distinct service packs, to support terminal services. Microsoft has added several other new thin-client features to Windows 2000. Here are a few highlights:

· Automated local printer support. Administrators can add and automatically reconnect printers attached to terminal services clients.

· Clipboard redirection. Users can cut and paste between locally run applications and server-run, locally presented applications.

· Performance enhancements. Microsoft has improved local caching capabilities and implemented an improved packet structure that minimizes network bandwidth requirements.

· More flexible logons. Users can connect and reconnect without interrupting their sessions, and log on simultaneously using one account.

· Session shadowing. Administrators and helpdesk staff can "shadow" a user's session, displaying it on their own screens to facilitate troubleshooting.

· Network load-balancing. Administrators will be able to meet scalability requirements by setting up server farms and dynamically balancing users across multiple servers.

· Client connection manager. Administrators will be able to distribute client icons that make it easier for users to access server-based applications.

· Enhanced administrative tools. New capabilities include better integration with NT Performance Monitor, enhanced license management, greater control of terminal clients through system policies, better monitoring and management of terminal sessions, remote server administration via terminal services and full integration with Windows 2000 User Manager.