Windows Roadmap Update

In spite of speculation about a radical new OS, such as Midori (code name), the next versions of the Windows client and server OSs will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, with timely delivery a key goal. Changes are concentrated in areas likely to entice large organizations and consumers to overcome their reluctance to upgrade. At its Professional Developers (PDC) and Windows Hardware Engineering (WinHEC) conferences in Oct. 2008, Microsoft began to reveal details of the Windows roadmap to the hardware manufacturers and software developers who need time to adapt their products to any significant changes.

Predictability Becoming Critical

In order to win widespread adoption, Windows 7 must minimize issues such as driver and application compatibility problems, which were exacerbated by the Windows Vista schedule’s delays. This means that the Windows 7 schedule must result in a predictable release within Microsoft’s stated goal, shipping within three years of Windows Vista’s general availability date.