Simple Client/Svr, IP Communication... HOW?

Here''s the problem: I''ve got to write a client app and a server app that pass some simple data back and forth (i.e. flags and text messages) via TCP/IP (internet). For example, multiple users can log onto the server with a password and username, through a simple control panel. The password/username/other info are sent to the server-side app, which in turn passes info back to the client app. I was going to do this with DirectPlay, but I encountered a small glitch, in that the server must be NT 4. Since NT does not support DirectX 7, I have the following questions: 1) Am I correct in assuming that if this app were written in any version of DirectX higher than DirectX 3, the DirectPlay component would not work on NT 4 (w/latest service pack)? 2) Assuming I did decide to write it using DirectX 3, what were the changes between DX 3''s DirectPlay and DX 5''s DirectPlay? (I''m using Inside DirectX for reference). And for that matter, where coule I get the DirectX 3 SDK? 3) Since I''m not actually implementing this into a game, is there an easier way? Is DirectPlay overkill in this case? Is there a simple API out there that would help me? (I don''t know anything about network programming, and I don''t have much time to learn). Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!