Microsoft Releases Whistler Beta

Microsoft has launched the beta version of its next-generation Windows operating system, code-named "Whistler," still on target for release in the second half of 2001.

The first beta was posted Tuesday to a site reserved for select business partners and customers, as well as more than 200,000 software developers. Microsoft wants to gather feedback and allow for compatibility testing on the software.

While this first beta lacks the full features promised in Whistler, Microsoft representatives say a second beta of the software in the second quarter of next year will be function-complete. But the final user interface won't be frozen until release candidate one. (See "Sneak Peek at the Next Windows.")

Whistler, which includes both a professional and home version, is built on the Windows 2000 kernel, ending the Windows 9x line of operating systems. Whistler is also another attempt to further Microsoft's .Net initiative and design operating systems that are more tightly integrated with both the Internet and the devices that connect to it. The software behemoth recently released its Windows 2000 and Windows Me (Millennium Edition) operating systems, but now looks to further advance the .Net plan. (See "Microsoft's Future Is All .Net.")

Improved Compatibility

Early peeks at the new operating system suggest it will bring an improved level of user interaction, remote access capabilities, and more advanced voice and handwriting capabilities. The software should also help Microsoft link its flagship operating system with its line of wireless devices, including phones and handhelds.

Microsoft stresses that this initial testing period of the beta should help promote compatibility of the product across varying types of hardware. The vendor also adds that the Whistler beta stands as the first 64-bit version of Windows that will be ready for customers to evaluate on the 64-bit Intel Itanium-based systems.

Microsoft says it plans to phase in the releases of Whistler, first releasing a version for desktops and later shipping one intended for use on servers. (See "Two Whistlers on the Way.")

(Cameron Crouch of PCWorld.com contributed to this report.)