By Michael Cherry [bio]
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Below is an excerpt of a Research Report published by Directions on Microsoft, an independent research firm focused exclusively on Microsoft strategy & technology. More samples of our content, as well as a list of upcoming articles and reports are also available.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary [Free]
- This report outlines the key architectural pillars of Windows Vista--the Windows Communications, Presentation and Workflow Foundations--and explains why developers might want to incorporate them in their applications
- Introduction [Free]
- Although the first betas and previews of Windows Vista are available, they are aimed at developers and do not include all of the planned features
- Longhorn Becoming Compelling Vista?
- Customers and partners need to start evaluating Windows Vista to understand how changes to the Windows client OS will impact their applications and deployment strategies
- Vista Communications Layer Targets Web Services
- The Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) aims to simplify Web services, but interoperability will depend on key Web service standards and customers' ability to adapt to a new style of programming
- New Graphics Framework Built Around .NET, XML
- The Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) brings high-end graphics to mainstream developers, but Microsoft must overcome IT skepticism that such graphics are necessary, or even desirable, in business applications
- Workflow Strategy Takes Shape [Free]
- The Windows Workflow Foundation will include a run-time engine, tools, and programming interfaces to simplify the creation of workflow-oriented Windows applications; however, Windows Workflow Foundation is a developer-only technology
- The End Game
- Microsoft has options as it works to complete Vista on time; customers evaluating Vista have to be selective in the features and prereleases they look at
- Resources and Availability
- How to find more information about the subjects of this Research Report
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