Whistler set to streamline Windows

Early code for the next version of Windows has been posted on the internet, to the chagrin of Microsoft.

At this early stage, additions are rumoured to include HTML enhancements and a new version of a Microsoft Network (MSN) client, codenamed 'Mars'.

A spokesman said the firm is investigating how source code for what is currently codenamed Whistler came to be posted on a number of college websites.

According to Microsoft watcher Paul Thurrott, Whistler will include modifications to the shared code library known as the Dynamic Link Library (DLL). Applications share code through the DLL, but with current versions of the operating system, an application can independently upgrade parts of the library, meaning that other applications can't access the original code. Whistler should end this.

Microsoft is unhappy to see any weakening of customer focus on its just-launched Windows 2000, which has shipped one million copies within its first month of availability.

Whistler is the business and consumer offering that will streamline Microsoft's product line by replacing both Windows 2000 and Windows Millennium which is due to ship later this year. Windows Millennium is the consumer operating system that will replace Windows 98, and the last to be based on Windows 9.x code, but will look similar to Windows 2000. Whistler is expected to ship in late 2001.

The prank at least highlights what analysts see as sensible housekeeping on Microsoft's part. "Windows 9x isn't being merged; it's being killed. This is good for Microsoft because it can cut the number of operating systems it is supporting and developing," said Tom Bittman, GartnerGroup analyst.

"With Whistler, Microsoft will be focusing on the consumer to the detriment of business customers," he added.

Whistler is based on the NT kernel of Windows 2000. The kernel is Microsoft's key future operating system. Windows CE, Microsoft's mainstream OS for embedded computing devices also shares some low-level code with NT.

The business follow-up to Whistler, codenamed Blackcomb, isn't expected until at least 2002. Both products are named after twin mountains in Canada's ski resort, Blackcomb being the harder to ski.