Introduction
Microsoft® Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) creates a broad range of new opportunities for independent software vendors (ISVs), independent hardware vendors (IHVs), system integrators, value-added resellers (VARs), and network managers involved in creating internetworking solutions, especially for branch office and edge-of-network deployments.
The Windows NT® Server operating system version 4.0 includes “in the box” two important services – Remote Access Service (RAS) and Multi-Protocol Routing. In the Spring of 1997, Microsoft released to Web an enhancement to these services by creating a unified Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS).This new service, formerly known by its code name “Steelhead,” is now available as a free released-to-Web offering for Windows NT Server 4.0. Looking ahead, Microsoft also plans to include an enhanced version of Routing and Remote Access Service as part of Windows NT Server 5.0.
This is significant for a variety of third-party organizations. These organizations can immediately begin developing and offering solutions for the Windows NT Server 4.0 platform with the new Routing and Remote Access Service, knowing that their products also will be ready for Windows NT Server version 5.0, as well.
The Windows® operating system is emerging as the communications platform of choice, due to the extensive network communications support included across the entire operating system family. Microsoft is making several enhancements to this built-in communications support with Windows NT Server 5.0, including quality of service support, ATM support, and unified Internet and traditional telephony support. Many of these enhancements are outside the scope of this paper and are covered by other materials. Here is a brief list of some of the communications enhancements planned for Windows NT 5.0 that relate to RRAS.
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