.Net is .Out. At least when it comes to Microsoft's forthcoming Windows server upgrade.

The company said Thursday that it's tossing the name Windows .Net Server 2003, replacing it with the simpler Windows Server 2003. The software is scheduled to ship in April.

Microsoft said it decided to stop using the .Net branding in the official naming of products. Instead, it will identify products and services supporting Web services and other Internet standards with a .Net Connected logo, which was unveiled last July.

Microsoft has struggled for months with the .Net branding and has been rethinking parts of its .Net marketing strategy. The company also has suffered product delays.

In June 2001, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said the name for the planned Windows 2002 server would be Windows .Net server. The product was expected to ship in late 2001.

Because of delays, Microsoft changed the product's name last year to Windows .Net Server 2003. Microsoft says it's still on track to ship the product as promised.