Microsoft on Tuesday gave the world a peek at a coming generation of software crafted to quell complaints about its Vista operating system and take on competition from arch-rival Google.
An in-progress version of Windows 7 was demonstrated in California at a Professional Developers Conference that features sessions where software specialists can dig into Microsoft’s next operating system.
“We are investing heavily in our Windows platform and are proud of where it is going,” Microsoft chief software architect Ray Ozzie said while unveiling a “pre-beta” successor to Vista.
Windows 7 highlights include letting people better personalize machines and set up networks that mesh capabilities of mobile telephones, printers, digital picture frames, computers and other “smart” devices.
Microsoft is on track to deliver a finished version of Windows 7 by 2010 at the latest, according to analyst Matt Rosoff of Directions On Microsoft, which tracks the Redmond, Washington-based software colossus.
“It is a relatively minor update but they needed to do it because Vista was not received well,” Rosoff said. “It addresses the little annoyances without rewriting the whole program. I think Microsoft is aiming for ‘This is a worthy upgrade, stop complaining.’”
Windows 7 is designed to make everyday computer tasks faster and deliver new features “while focusing on application and device compatibility.”
Complaints about Vista included conflicts with older programs.
“We are bringing the best of the Web to Windows, and the best of Windows to the Web,” Ozzie said.
“From PC [personal computer] to the Web to the phone, and from the server to cloud, we are focused on enabling the creation of the next generation of user experiences that change the way we live, work and play,” he said.
Microsoft also announced that it will release on online version of its popular Office suite, essentially taking the software into “the cloud” as a service available on the Internet.
Web-based versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote programs will be available online at Office Live by subscription or licensing deals, the company said.
“Microsoft has resisted doing that so far because Office is such a profitable and strong business for them they saw no need to move Office online,” Rosoff said.
“They see enough threat from Google Apps and other online services that they see little to lose and a lot to gain. It is a direct competition against Google Apps and some online suites,” he said.
Google has been consistently beefing up an array of free software it makes available online as ad-supported services.
Rosoff expects Microsoft to offer “light weight” versions of Office software online at subscription or licensing prices yet to be revealed.
“Microsoft supports diversity in work styles and understands that customers want choice and flexibility in how and where they work,” said Microsoft business division president Stephen Elop.
“Office enables people to view, edit, share information and collaborate on documents on the desktop, phone and in the browser, and do so in a consistent and familiar way.”
Those interested in learning more about upcoming beta, or test, availability can sign up at www.workspace.officelive.com.
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