"Windows 2000 Professional seems to be a popular choice for ticket machine operators: a small footprint, bombproof reliability, and content to sit in the background while the customer's software takes center stage. Unfortunately, that reliability was not on display in this ticket machine, spotted in Bangkok by an eagle-eyed Register reader. A reboot has brought Windows 2000 Professional out of the shadows, and the loading screen is visible."
"Despite the age of the software on show, the ticket machine looks to be in remarkably good condition. Our reader told us it was for the Bangkok Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT), which began operating in 2004, years after Windows 2000 launched (the BTS Skytrain was opened in 1999). In 2004, Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP were all the rage. However, we can completely understand why a ticket machine operator might want to stick with Windows 2000, despite all the fanfare surrounding its successors."
"Then again, seeing the splash screen of Windows 2000 Professional does bring on a certain feeling of nostalgia for the time when Microsoft decided that slapping "2000" on the end of its products was a good idea. Originally branded Windows NT 5.0, Microsoft decided that calling it "2000" would help customers embrace NT after enduring the joys of Windows 95 and Windows 98. Customers didn't, and got the likes of Windows XP and Vista, while administrators found the follow-ups dubbed 2003 and 2008."
An MRT ticket machine in Bangkok displayed the Windows 2000 Professional loading screen after a reboot, revealing the obsolete operating system still in use. Windows 2000 is favored by ticket machine operators for its small footprint, bombproof reliability, and quiet operation while customer-facing software runs. The machine appeared in good physical condition despite the aged software. The Bangkok Metropolitan Rapid Transit began service in 2004, years after Windows 2000's release. In 2004, Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP were widespread, yet operators may retain Windows 2000 when hardware and software continue working and systems avoid the public internet. Windows 2000 originated as Windows NT 5.0 before Microsoft rebranded it.
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