An early test version of the next major release of Microsoft Windows has been leaked

"An early test version of the next major release of Microsoft Windows has been leaked onto the Net, offering a glimpse of the company’s plans for the new software.

The leaked version of the upcoming desktop operating system, code-named Longhorn, hints of major changes under the Windows hood, as Microsoft radically improves file management and searching features in Windows and in Yukon, the code-name for the next version of SQL Server, due out later this year.

In Longhorn, Microsoft plans to introduce a new file system with enhanced storage capabilities. Known as Windows Future Storage (WinFS), the new means for storing, accessing or indexing files will replace NTFS and FAT32, the predecessors used by Windows XP. The file system is intended to make it easier to find information, no matter where it is stored or in what form.

Microsoft did not identify the source of the leak, which is still circulating on the Web and on Internet relay chat. But Jim Cullinan, Microsoft Windows lead product manager, said the leaked version of Longhorn is authentic. Cullinan declined to discuss features of the new operating system, saying that "it's just too early" to discuss features that could "change dramatically before the final product is done."

For Microsoft, creating a new file system, particularly one using modern database technology, is no easy undertaking. The work in progress will be important in prepping Longhorn for its scheduled late 2004 release, say analysts.

Michael Cherry, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft, described Microsoft's transition from FAT to NTFS as "very clean." But Cherry is concerned about the transition to WinFS. Microsoft's biggest challenge will be putting in the new file system without breaking existing applications. In the past, with new file system introductions in the earlier Windows NT operating system and other products, "Microsoft has been bad about this," he said.

At the same time, Microsoft likely will be forced to deliver WinFS in pieces, first in Yukon and then in Longhorn. But the real benefit will come on Windows Server, a place WinFS might not appear until 2006 or 2007.

"Remember, Microsoft said there's not going to be a Longhorn Server," said Gartner analyst Michael Silver. "So is this going to be an add-on to Windows Server 2003 or will businesses have to wait for 'Blackcomb'? Certainly it's useful in SQL Server but that doesn't extend to all the files on the Windows Server." Blackcomb, the code-name for the next version of Windows Server, isn't expected before 2006."

Taken from: Cnet
Full story @: here

Billy pwnt yet again!

SQL is nice. But i really thing Windows:FS will suck.

And why would the new file systems sucks?:

"The file system is intended to make it easier to find information, no matter where it is stored or in what form. "

That means better/faster HD performance.