Microsoft Shares Rocket on Windows 2000 News

Microsoft Corp. shares rose to a record with the release to manufacturers of the company’s Windows 2000, the much-delayed upgrade to its operating system for businesses. The stock soared $9.75 to $108.44 in extremely heavy Nasdaq trading of 77 million shares. The gain lifted the company’s market value to $560 billion, more than any other company on Earth. The Redmond, Wash.-based company has spent three years developing the software, which will be used in powerful server computers that run corporate networks and Internet sites. The program is Microsoft’s most ambitious foray into corporate networking, and is expected to be Microsoft’s most profitable product. Windows 2000 was shipped on Wednesday to manufacturers and computer makers. It will be available to corporate customers on Feb. 17, Microsoft said.