Windows 7: 2010 target
– This package does not provide new functions for the developer, nor new. Net framework
– Last big update XP, there will be no SP4
– End of official support XP: 2014
– SP3 will be required to use Internet Explorer 8 (scheduled towards the end of the year)
On Windows Seven (7 in french), the system should get a final version late 2009 for a general availability in early 2010. However, this date remains an estimate, so we can have a shift of a few months on this forecast. For the company, this new system is not expected before 2011. The system will build on existing foundations Vista. Seven is a continuity of Vista and not a complete overhaul of the lower layers. We confirmed that it would be difficult to rewrite some of these layers to change kernel and in particular to put the famous MiniWin. One of the necessities of Seven is to run on Vista compatible PC and especially with software and drivers stamped Vista. Microsoft probably wants to avoid the gap between XP and Vista. You can also expect a better use of libraries. Net as WPF for the interface. Although present in Vista, they remain under-utilised. If MiniWin is not directly implemented in Seven, you can probably wait for Windows 8.
A few years ago, during discussions around Vista, we had raised the possibility of better implement. Net heart of the system, without reaching the famous Windows. Net raised in 2000 - 2001 by the publisher.
We will know more at the next conference PDC next October and during the TechEd in Barcelona in November.