Naming of Windows Vista

The client version of Microsoft Windows code name "Longhorn" is now Windows Vista. The new OS is
currently undergoing a beta stage mainly aimed at developers and device designers.

The following is an excerpt from an exclusive interview with John B. Williams,
General Manager of Windows Communications, to find out how Windows Vista got its name and what it will mean for end users.

The following is John's take on the naming of Windows Vista.

I tend to answer it with a very short narrative. Today, we live in a world of "more" -- more information, more ways to communicate, more things to do, more opportunities -- and the same time, more responsibilities. Increasingly, we all turn to our PCs to help us with that. And inherently, when I do that, I turn to Windows.

At the end of the day, what I'm after is to break through all the clutter to focus on what I want to focus on, what I need to do. What you're trying to get to is your own personal Vista -- whether that is trying to organize photos, or trying to find a file or trying to collaborate with a number of people electronically.

That's the role that Windows has always played -- empowering people to use technology to do and accomplish what they want. But the world has evolved, and there's a lot more out there. So we need to make some investments and make sure that we continue to play that role.

We've also created a product that is visually very powerful and beautiful, and that combination is what led us to the notion of our job, and what this product delivers, is your own personal Vista.

Pretty fluffy stuff is this, not something like Windows XP. Thought the reason behind the naming would be as interesting as Windows XP. Still good thinking, John. Way to go!!!