PC-GUY
1
One of Microsoft's Web sites revealed new information about different versions of the company's upcoming operating system, Windows Vista, but was posted prematurely and yanked off the network quickly.
A page in the company's online help section noted that Microsoft will release eight different editions of the new operating system, although no formal announcements have been made about that plan.
After removing the page, Microsoft noted that it would not confirm or deny the information, and will instead continue with its rollout of Vista details, which began months ago and is due to continue until the operating system ships in late 2006.
Industry Gossip
Media organizations that perused the Web site before it was removed noted that Microsoft would be offering six different editions of Vista for a U.S. and non-European audience.
One of the editions, reportedly called Windows Starter 2007, will be a stripped-down version of the system that is likely to be targeted at emerging markets that are trying to fight software piracy.
Other editions supposedly include basic and premium versions for home users, and tailored editions for small businesses and large enterprises.
The Web site also noted that a higher-end product, named Windows Vista Ultimate, will be geared toward gamers and those who use multimedia extensively.
Two other variations do not include Windows Media Player, and would be targeted for Europe. The creation of these editions would comply with the European Union's antitrust rulings.
Under Wraps
Microsoft has been rolling out information about Vista in digestible chunks so users can get comfortable with the idea of a new operating system and adjust to specific, planned changes. Also, the company is trying to create buzz as it works on the last of Vista's features and prepares for launch.
"Mainstream deployment of Vista won't even really begin until 2008, but Microsoft is trying to address issues related to enterprise and consumer issues now," said Gartner analyst Michael Silver. "They'll be careful to craft their announcements to reflect what's definitely going to appear."
Unlike some software companies that are eager to share development news about products still on the drawing board, Microsoft typically touts a product's potential benefits without detailing specifics on how it will meet those goals.
"Right now, Microsoft is focusing strongly on talking about security, and then it will move on to the next big benefit in Vista from there," said Silver.
More information on features in Vista is expected to be seen after the release of the Community Technical Preview at the end of March.
A page in the company's online help section noted that Microsoft will release eight different editions of the new operating system, although no formal announcements have been made about that plan.
After removing the page, Microsoft noted that it would not confirm or deny the information, and will instead continue with its rollout of Vista details, which began months ago and is due to continue until the operating system ships in late 2006.
Industry Gossip
Media organizations that perused the Web site before it was removed noted that Microsoft would be offering six different editions of Vista for a U.S. and non-European audience.
One of the editions, reportedly called Windows Starter 2007, will be a stripped-down version of the system that is likely to be targeted at emerging markets that are trying to fight software piracy.
Other editions supposedly include basic and premium versions for home users, and tailored editions for small businesses and large enterprises.
The Web site also noted that a higher-end product, named Windows Vista Ultimate, will be geared toward gamers and those who use multimedia extensively.
Two other variations do not include Windows Media Player, and would be targeted for Europe. The creation of these editions would comply with the European Union's antitrust rulings.
Under Wraps
Microsoft has been rolling out information about Vista in digestible chunks so users can get comfortable with the idea of a new operating system and adjust to specific, planned changes. Also, the company is trying to create buzz as it works on the last of Vista's features and prepares for launch.
"Mainstream deployment of Vista won't even really begin until 2008, but Microsoft is trying to address issues related to enterprise and consumer issues now," said Gartner analyst Michael Silver. "They'll be careful to craft their announcements to reflect what's definitely going to appear."
Unlike some software companies that are eager to share development news about products still on the drawing board, Microsoft typically touts a product's potential benefits without detailing specifics on how it will meet those goals.
"Right now, Microsoft is focusing strongly on talking about security, and then it will move on to the next big benefit in Vista from there," said Silver.
More information on features in Vista is expected to be seen after the release of the Community Technical Preview at the end of March.