Although Microsoft is currently making every effort to launch the next operating system version, Windows Vista, this year, the developer is already eager to pursue its ambition for an even newer version – Vienna.
Vienna – formerly known by the codename Blackcomb – is the code name for the next version of the Windows operating system following Windows Vista. So far, there has been no information regarding the release date of Vienna or the features that this new operating system version may have.
Microsoft officially confirmed the change of codename for the next operating system version after Windows Vista last weekend but declined to provide further details about the development stages of Vienna.
In a recent statement from Microsoft, which was reported by CNet News.com, the operating system developer said: “The codename Blackcomb has been changed to Vienna, but we still do not have any detailed information about the timeline or goals to share with you at this time. This may not be a major change for us simply because we are using codenames of cities from the past that are derived from famous local cities around the world to paint a wonderful picture – a picture that we truly want to see and capture. The name Vienna meets that requirement.”
The codename Whistler for Windows XP is named after a famous ski resort in Canada. Blackcomb is also the name of another ski resort, while Longhorn – the codename for Vista – is derived from Longhorn Saloon, a location situated between Whistler and Blackcomb.
With the Windows Vista operating system that Microsoft plans to launch in the second half of this year, it has already taken the developer five years since the release of Windows XP. Vista promises improved search capabilities, a more beautiful graphic mechanism, along with various other enhanced features.
However, some features have been removed from the Vista operating system version, which are believed to potentially become part of Vienna – notably the new file storage mechanism, WinFS.
