The world of Microsoft-centric software development orbited three different star systems in 2004: Windows Server 2003, Office 11 and "Longhorn."
Windows Server 2003, which shipped in April, represented the next generation of the server operating system from the Redmond-based giant. While the software contained several under-the-covers improvements, including claims from Microsoft about faster performance and tighter security, the primary impact on developers was the incorporation of an updated .NET Framework and Common Language Runtime into the platform. In addition to the release of .NET Framework 1.1, Microsoft shipped Visual Studio .NET 2003, which had been code-named "Everett."
When Microsoft pulls the plug on Windows 98 support next Friday, it will offer a free CD designed to help users "make the most" of the aging operating system, without any further assistance from the software giant. Six years after its launch, Windows 98 is still used by about a fourth of Web surfers. Microsoft announced last year that it would stop supporting Windows 98 on Jan. 15, meaning that millions of users will soon be left exposed when new exploits and vulnerabilities are discovered.
The reports are the linchpin of a new marketing effort by Microsoft, called "Get the Facts on Windows and Linux" that contend that Linux isn't as cost-effective just because it is essentially free software.
A Microsoft spokesperson said over the past year, software cost and value have been a common issue raised by IT customers. "Our customers have told us they want research and information to help make value-based IT decisions. The 'Get the Facts' advertising campaign aims to bring some of this information to companies who are making decisions about their IT solutions."
Microsoft won a court fight with Lindows.com Inc. when a California judge ruled that customers seeking a refund from an antitrust settlement must use Microsoft's Web site.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Paul Alvarado said consumers couldn't file for a voucher at software maker Lindows.com's site, which allows customers to use the refund for Lindows.com programs. Microsoft in July won court approval for a $1.1 billion settlement in an antitrust suit brought by consumers.
Microsoft unveiled a short-term roadmap for Apple Macintosh products this week at Apple's Macworld conference in San Francisco. New versions of Office for Mac and Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac are slated for delivery in the first half of 2004.
In a statement, Apple senior vice president of worldwide product marketing Phil Schiller declared that Microsoft is committed to the Mac for the long term: "We're pleased that the Microsoft Mac [Business Unit] continues to show its dedication to the Mac platform by delivering great products for Mac users now and for years to come."
Online auctioneer eBay said Thursday it will offer access to personalized content via Microsoft's MSN Web portal. The marketing agreement, announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, marks the first time the eBay has allowed its users to manage their eBay accounts through a portal. As a result, individuals will be able to access their personalized "My eBay" account through MSN's own personalized pages. The feature is being made available to U.S. customers.
In justifying the partnership, the companies cited a research report published by Nielsen/NetRatings las November that indicated about 82 percent of visitors to eBay also visit MSN.
Microsoft detailed on Thursday its strategy for expanding the capabilities and distribution of its Voice Command software, a program that lets people control handheld devices via spoken instructions.
Unveiled in November, Microsoft Voice Command lets users of gadgets running the software giant's Pocket PC operating system issue spoken commands to get calendar and contact information, make phone calls, access applications, and perform other basic functions. The software can also be used with the handheld version of Microsoft's Media Player to allow voice-activated control of digital music playback.
Folks have been talking about the coming convergence between PCs and consumer electronics for years. But that was the easy part. The hard call was to figure out exactly how the pieces would fall into place. Although the debate goes on, one person who thinks that the technology industry is on the cusp of realizing one of its longest-sought grails is Bill Gates.
Gates, who took the stage Wednesday night to deliver the opening key note at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is convinced that recent technology advances have paved the way toward real convergence. CNET News.com caught up with Microsoft's co-founder and chairman to find out what's behind his optimism.
Microsoft Chairman also talks up new Windows Media Center Extenders, next version of MSN, and SPOT watches in his Consumer Electronics Show kick-off keynote. "The home is going digital," Gates proclaimed. And "Media Center is the centerpiece product for what goes on in the home of the future."
Throughout his remarks, Gates emphasized the concept of "seamless computing experiences." These experiences - where "smart" devices are connected together via "very rich interfaces" - are at the heart of Microsoft's next-generation software products, ranging from its "Longhorn" version of Windows for the desktop to its MSN Premium Internet software for broadband networking.
Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled updated versions of its MSN family of Web sites and services in the hope of attracting the growing number of consumers with broadband connections. Company Chairman Bill Gates presented a new version of MSN.com's home page and demonstrated a new online video service during his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening. Gates also gave a tour of MSN Premium, Microsoft's Web software pack that it hopes will attract customers who access the Internet through a high-speed connection.