The Microsoft Roadmap – Past, Present, And Future

Bill Veghte, Microsoft’s Senior Vice President has laid out the official roadmap going forward for the Windows Product Line. In his address to the public he makes it pretty clear that Vista isn’t going away and neither is XP. Additionally he reveals some interesting facts about Windows 7, and what people should expect.

 Windows XP

If Windows XP were to make a guest appearance in a Monty Python movie, it would be the old man trying to convince everyone he’s not dead yet. The press release from Microsoft seems aimed at trying to reassure people that Windows XP will be supported for many years to come. He reminds consumers that XP is only going to disappear in its retail form on June 30th and will still be available to OEM’s until 2009. This date actually becomes much longer when you consider users have the option of downgrading to XP should they happen to own a copy of the business or ultimate versions of Vista. Perhaps the most important reminder contained in the memo is the reality that Windows XP will continue to be patched with security updates until 2014. That’s a long time in PC years, in fact, it’s a full four years after the presumed launch of Windows 7. Current owners of Windows XP will all so be able to activate copies of the OS well past its end of life.

 Windows Vista

Despite the fact that this press release is clearly aimed at attempting to quell any impending riots over the demise of Windows XP, he is quick to lay on the Vista charm. Vista clearly has a serious perception problem, and it will take a concentrated effort by Microsoft to shake the stigma. Unimaginable damage has been done to the Vista brand, mostly by Apple. As a result average users have been trained to fear Vista like the plague, even if that fear is unwarranted. He continues by quoting statistics typical home users have clearly rejected such as, improved security, faster performance, etc. Informed readers know that Vista, when matched with the appropriate PC isn’t actually all that bad. We now know that Vista runs on par with XP performance wise, and that UAC can help prevent root kits. Vista isn’t a huge a step forward, but it is a step forward none the less.

 Windows 7

Bill Veghte refers to Windows 7 within the press release as a “working name”. This suggests they will indeed rebrand the new OS prior to launch. Additionally he confirms that Windows 7 will be built off the same core architecture of Vista. This will improve compatibility, but unless Microsoft address’s the sagging fortunes of the Vista brand, it won’t improve public reception. Given the fact that Vista has been heavily criticized for it’s “bloat” many have speculated that Microsoft is likely use a core Kernel and will bolt on functionality to suit the device. This approach is similar to that of the Mac or Linux allowing for versions of the OS to run on everything from phones to powerful Quad Cores. If Windows 7 actually turns out to be the version of Vista we were all hoping for, will all be forgiven?