Software kingpin Microsoft has unveiled the product lineup of its upcoming Windows Vista operating system, scheduling its release for the second half of 2006. The announcement appears to signal an attempt by Microsoft to move users to a new platform, which is incompatible with previous versions.

One of the key points buried in the Microsoft announcement is that enterprise users will have to run "legacy applications" on previous versions of Windows in a virtual environment on top of Windows Vista. Microsoft does not define exactly what are considered to be legacy applications or what versions of Windows will be affected.

The Windows Vista product lineup will come in six versions, like Win XP, two for business, three for consumers, and one for emerging markets: Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows Vista Starter. Microsoft says the new operating system will be available for both 64-bit and 32-bit platforms.

Business customers can choose from two versions:

• Windows Vista Business, aimed at smaller businesses, includes features such as:

• A new user interface, named Windows Aero, which includes a transparent glass design, with effects such as dynamic reflections and smooth animations, along with Windows Flip and Flip 3D desktop navigation features.
 
• Integrated search facilities.
 
• Windows Tablet PC technology with built-in handwriting recognition, enabling interaction with the PC with a digital pen or fingertip instead of a keyboard.
 

• Windows Vista Enterprise, aimed at larger organisations, includes:

• Drive encryption technology called Windows BitLocker, to protect IP if a computer gets lost or stolen.
 
• Built-in tools for application compatibility with previous versions of Microsoft operating systems. A tool called Virtual PC Express enables a legacy application to run on a previous version of Windows in a virtual environment on top of Windows Vista Enterprise.
 
• Subsystem for UNIX-based applications, which enables users to run UNIX applications on a Windows Vista Enterprise-based PC.

Consumers can choose from three versions:

• Windows Vista Home Basic for consumers who want to simply use the PC to browse the internet, correspond with friends and family through e-mail or perform basic document creation and editing tasks.
 
• Windows Vista Home Premium will include digital entertainment features, such as photos, video, TV, movies, music and games. Windows Vista Home Premium also includes the new user interface Windows Aero. This version also integrates search throughout the operating system, for help in finding collections of documents, pictures, movies, videos and music. Consumers can use Media Center to record and watch TV shows (including HDTV) and access online entertainment content. It also provides the ability to connect Windows Vista Home Premium to Xbox 360, extending the Media Center experience to multiple rooms in the home. Windows Tablet PC technology is also available in this edition of Windows Vista. Integrated DVD burning and authoring is also included.
 
 
• Windows Vista Ultimate is a full featured version that includes all the entertainment features, mobility features and business-oriented features available in Windows Vista.

All new versions are available for either 32-bit or 64-bit systems. Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate and Business will be available as a full-packaged product at retail and on new PCs. Windows Vista Enterprise will be offered only to business customers participating in Microsoft’s Software Assurance program.

Microsoft also will offer Windows Vista Starter, a low cost no frills 32-bit basic version, in emerging markets.

“Windows Vista is going to be a significant release for all Windows customers — including enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses as well as consumers,” said Al Gillen, research director for System Software at IDC. “Microsoft’s strategy to address different customer segments with versions of Windows Vista optimized for their needs should be well received by these diverse user segments.”

“We live in a digital world that is filled with more information, more things to do and more ways to communicate with others than ever,”  said Mike Sievert, corporate vice president of Windows Product Management and Marketing at Microsoft. “The PC needs to give people the clarity and confidence to handle this ‘world of more’ so they can focus on what’s most important to them. With our Windows Vista product line, we’ve streamlined and tailored our product lineup to provide what our customers want for today’s computing needs.”