longhorn

Microsoft doesn't want Longhorn reloaded

In unsurprising news, Microsoft has finally put a stop to the "Longhorn Reloaded" project, an effort to continue development of an early version of Windows "Longhorn," the precursor of Windows Vista.

The programmers wanted to keep working with an early version of Longhorn, which still had features, such as WinFS, that were later cut. Of course, despite some moves to get along with the open source world, Microsoft hasn't exactly decided to make its crown jewel (even test versions of it) free for the world to modify.

Nonetheless, the group behind Longhorn Reloaded expressed dismay … Read more

Microsoft: Laying off the vision thing

ORLANDO, Fla.--Microsoft conferences used to be the launchpads for the company's latest overarching product "visions." Not so at this year's Tech Ed, Microsoft's conference for IT developers and managers.

Bob Muglia, the executive in charge of the company's server software business, kicked off the conference by co-starring in a skit with actor Christopher Lloyd that skewered some of Microsoft's more notorious failed visions like "Hailstorm," a controversial online service, and the company's ill-fated unified storage initiative.

In the place of grand plans, Microsoft on Monday talked nuts-and-bolts IT strategy, … Read more

Microsoft confirms Windows Server '08 name--again

LOS ANGELES--For the second time in recent days, Microsoft has inadvertently confirmed Windows Server 2008 as the official name for Longhorn Server.

Microsoft France had the name up on its Web site as of 10:30 p.m. PT Sunday, though it may well take it down (Credit to bink.nu and other Microsoft enthusiast sites for bringing attention to the posting). The move follows an earlier slip-up on its U.S. press site.

The company is expected to officially give the product its name this week at the Windows Hardware and Engineering Conference (WinHEC) here.