Microsoft South Africa has officially launched Windows Vista, the next version of the Windows operating system, but is still keeping the wraps firmly on the look and feel of the successor to XP.
Getting a look at Windows Vista, code-named Longhorn, will have to wait until 3 August, when the official launch of the Beta 1 version is scheduled for TechNet and Microsoft Developer Network subscribers as well as customers taking part in the Microsoft Technology Adoption Programme.
Although Windows Vista is scheduled to go to market in the early second half of 2006, Jonathan Hatchuel, Windows client business group manager at Microsoft SA, told journalists in Sandton this morning that the final release date was quality-driven and not time-driven. He added that the release could be pushed back to September and even October next year if necessary.
Although keeping the face of Windows Vista hidden for the moment, Microsoft is claiming major advances in terms of ease of use, connectivity and security.
"Windows Vista is a safer and more secure environment than anything we have had in the past.
"Windows is taking security a step further with the introduction of protected user accounts, which delivers a greater degree of virus protection by ensuring users are logged in as limited users for most of the time and not as administrators," Hatchuel explained.
Windows Vista prompts users to switch to administrator mode when necessary, but then automatically logs out and returns to limited user status when the administrative task is completed.
Other benefits of Windows Vista that Hatchuel highlighted included functionality to synchronise multiple devices, integrated anti-malware and improved Windows services.
"The watchword for Windows Vista is confidence because users will be confident they will find the information they need, confident they will stay connected and synchronised, and confident they will be safe and secure."
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