Next Version of Windows? Call it '7'

CNet has the news that Microsoft is currently aiming to release the next version of the Windows operating system in about three years. Previously known as Vienna, the OS is now simply known internally as '7'. After achieving a quality product, the article states, Microsoft's big goal with 7 is to recapture a regular release schedule for their operating system product. From the article: "Like Vista, Windows 7 will ship in consumer and business versions, and in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The company also confirmed that it is considering a subscription model to complement Windows, but did not provide specifics or a time frame. Next up on Microsoft's agenda is Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista, which is expected before year's end. The discussion of Windows' future isn't surprising, given that Microsoft has been criticized by business customers for delays related to Vista. Many business customers pay for Microsoft's software under a license agreement called Software Assurance."

Comments

Non-announcement

[Jeremy_Bee]

Looks to me like this is an announcement of a schedule, and not an announcement of a product.

There are no project goals here, and no definitive statements on what it will include or exclude, except the 32/64 bit statement (which seems to be more of a knee-jerk reaction than a firm plan). The subscription method of distribution (which recently was portrayed as "the future"), is mentioned as being possible, but not necessarily included in the plan?

IMO this is all about calming market fears about release schedules. This is about the marketing department asking the software engineers about what two or three "safe bet" features they can announce for the future version of Windows when the engineers probably don't even have pencil sketches on napkins at this point.

Re:Better than "Soda"...

[Knuckles]

please mod parent funny if you get the reference.