Logo, Catalog Lure Vendors

Microsoft has launched a new “Designed for Windows” Logo Program that eliminates the requirement that software vendors send their software to an independent agency for testing; instead, they self-certify their software using a testing framework and utilities downloaded from Microsoft. Vendors that obtain the logo will also get free placement in an online catalog linked from the Windows XP Start button. The new measures are designed to create momentum for the Windows XP platform by eliminating the difficult requirements and costly testing required under the “Certified for Windows 2000” program, and by providing ISVs with strong incentives to write applications that run reliably and fully exploit the features of XP.

Microsoft particularly wants developers to take advantage of features such as Remote Desktop and Fast User Switching, a family-oriented feature that gives each individual his or her own desktop on a shared home PC and will “move the user experience forward,” according to Tom Opdycke, general product manager for PC experience at Microsoft.