The new NT 5.0 Beta 2 allows a user to audition features added onto the product. New features include Active Directory, the operating system's directory service, and IntelliMirror, a management tool. Active Directory is more complex than the directory service feature found in NT 4.0. It may take more time to set up because of the more numerous settings. Active Directory, while reportedly a little hard to set up, displays a large measure of flexibility.
Domains show up as hierarchical trees with branches.
The beta makes moving from other network software possible. Users and their directory structures can migrate from Novell's Directory Service over to NT 5.0's Active Directory. IntelliMirror holds promise as an excellent management tool. It allows desktops to be locked down and users to access them from any workstation. Along with that, it loads a user's most frequently used apps after checking the user's profile.