Gates says .Net on track

C|Net | at | by Mike

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates on Thursday told financial analysts that the software giant is on course to deliver key pieces of its strategy to make its software available as a Web-based service.

Gates, speaking before more than 350 financial analysts, reporters and investors at Microsoft's annual analysts meeting at its headquarters, said Microsoft is on track to release a test version of its Web services technology, called HailStorm, late this year.

HailStorm is central to Microsoft's .Net strategy to conjoin its applications with Internet services. The company envisions tying content delivery, shopping, banking and entertainment through a variety of devices--including cell phones, PCs and handhelds--through HailStorm, which relies on Microsoft's Passport authentication system.