Does Windows Need an Extreme Makeover? Slimming Windows Down the Answer? Stuart J. Johnston
Another way to simplify Windows — as well as to shrink the code base — would be to take a compartmentalized design route, similar to Windows Server 2008, which shipped last month.
That release features what Microsoft terms "server core," which enables an administrator to install only those code modules — functions such as Web serving, for instance — that are needed for that specific server.
"A more modular approach is needed to allow user-specific information to be separated from the OS and easily moved from one PC to another," the Gartner presentation said. "This would facilitate mobile users, roaming users, portable personality and easier upgrading to new versions — a goal close to Microsoft's heart."
Users and IT shops shouldn't expect that Windows 7 will offer a significantly altered design, Cherry said.
One reason is that because it is scheduled for delivery sometime in 2010, there's not much time for making big changes in the code base. Indeed, Windows 7 has been characterized by Microsoft executives as a relatively minor update compared to Vista.
"I think it's reasonable to think of [Windows 7] as equivalent to what they did with R2 [Release 2] for Windows Server 2003," Cherry said. "It cannot support a re-architecting of Windows in that timeframe."
Additionally, Cherry doubts that Windows Server 2008's Hyper-V (or another virtualization hypervisor) would provide an adequate solution to the problems of running legacy applications.
One thing that all the analysts agreed on, however, is that the PC market has significantly grown more complex in recent years, with systems achieving a level of performance that many users simply don't need.
Additionally, the growing success of new form factors and devices, such as smartphones and ultra low-cost PCs (ULCPCs), is spawning the demand for operating systems tailored to the device.
One example of that was the announcement earlier this month that Microsoft would continue to make Windows XP Home Edition available to run on ULCPCs. Those devices are expected to be very popular, not only in emerging economies but also in developed nations, as users add cheap laptops to their existing home and work networks.
"There are some fundamental changes going on in the consumer space but also in enterprises to move away from high-powered computers to smaller, lighter, less-expensive devices," Pund-IT's King said.
In spite of their criticism of Windows Vista, however, Silver and MacDonald also are not advocating that corporate users put off migrating until Windows 7 comes out.
"[In the] next 12 months ... proceed with Windows Vista deployments; the earliest Microsoft could deliver against this vision is 2010," the Gartner presentation concluded.
