On 26 March Microsoft announced that Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 CALs, Windows 2000 Terminal Services CALs and Windows 2000 Internet Connectors were to be discontinued as of 1 April 2003. If you require Windows 2000 Server/CALs etc. they can purchase Windows Server 2003 instead and downgrade to 2000. They can do this without relinquishing the rights to Windows Server 2003 so they can install this version whenever they like. Media kits for Windows Server 2003 are expected to be available on 24 April."
We got a bit mystified, and asked MS for clarification. This is their answer:
"Although a number of the Windows 2000 Server SKUs came off the April Price book there is still, Windows 2000 Server "Licenses and CALS" available. There is no "official" notice in such things. If a customer wants to buy Windows 2000 server licenses they can, by purchasing the Windows 2003 license which is cheaper and then use the downgrade rights to get Windows 2000. Once they use Windows 2000 (by ordering the media still available on the price list if they don't already have it) then the Windows 2000 EULA and rights come into effect so they are not disadvantaged in any way. To the contrary in fact as the customer then also has rights to change up to Windows 2003 when they wish.