MS releases test version of new Windows

Scott Hillis

SEATTLE: Microsoft Corp said on Tuesday it had released the first test version of a new, united Windows software that will finally combine the user-friendly features of the consumer version with the more stable corporate product.

The new Windows, code-named "Whistler", was being sent to major partners and customers, as well as to tens of thousands of developers for evaluation before final release in the second half of next year, Microsoft said.

"The release of 'Whistler' beta 1 represents the next step in delivering our vision for Windows. It will provide software and hardware vendors with a single code base on which they can develop applications and devices for both home and business PC users," said Windows division senior vice president Brian Valentine in a statement.

Microsoft currently sells two basic flavors of Windows, one based on the 20-year-old DOS programming technology and one crafted from newer NT technology, which is far more stable.

DOS is the foundation for consumer versions such as Windows Me and Windows 98, but is being scrapped in favor of NT, which is at the core of Windows 2000, the company's flagship software for business and corporate networks.

Microsoft has long sought to switch to NT entirely, but that goal has been pushed back due to difficulties in making a single product that appeals to casual home users as well as more demanding corporations.

"One big challenge is to get the compatibility that home users want with games, home productivity applications and educational applications," said Windows group product manager Shawn Sanford.

"Everything that is in the home version will be in the professional version as well, plus all those management features that home users don't typically use but businesses want," Sanford said.

Desktop product will debut first

The next beta, or test version, of Whistler is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2001, with a final product due on shelves in the second half of the year, Sanford said.

A desktop product would debut first, followed by various server versions, Microsoft said.

Switching to one technology will also make it easier for Microsoft and other software companies to write programs for Windows since they will just have to produce a single version, Sanford said.

"Being able to target a single code base will really kick-start development," Sanford said.

It will also help Microsoft roll out its .Net strategy of using Internet technologies to let users easily swap data between programs and devices. Windows 2000 is the cornerstone of that effort, and ditching DOS will make it easier to deliver .Net services into the home as well, Sanford said.

Whistler is also Microsoft's first 64-bit operating system, marking a step up from the current technology that runs on 32-bit processors like the Pentium III and upcoming Pentium 4 from Intel Corp.

Whistler would debut in a 32-bit version, but Microsoft would also make a 64-bit product for Intel's 64-bit chip, the Itanium, Sanford said. The Itanium is due out in volume in the first half of next year, according to Intel.

But Sanford said there was still plenty of life in the 32-bit products, which would continue to dominate for some time to come.

"Right now, 64-bit is only for very specific applications that need huge processing power," he said.

(C) Reuters Limited 2000.