In This Issue
Microsoft Watch Code Name Tracker 4.3 and Year-Ahead Planner 4.3
Here are our monthly installments of our updated list of Microsoft projects and their code names, plus our rolling calendar, which tracks the coming year's key Microsoft-related events
In terms of the Code Name Tracker, we are still organizing our charts around the seven business units, as Microsoft is planning to continue to report separately the revenues/losses for each of these divisions. The seven profit and loss centers are: Server and Tools, Client, Information Worker, Business Solutions, MSN Personal Services and Business, Mobile and Embedded Devices, Home and Entertainment.(We also are continuing to follow two additional categories: Disappearing code names and important Microsoft Research project code names.)
At the management level, company officials reorganized Microsoft in late September 2005 into three divisions: Platform Products & Services; Microsoft Business; and Entertainment and Devices. Microsoft officials said they made this move to better reflect emerging synergies across units, and to roll out new consumer and business services offerings.
Going forward, we'll do our best to sort new products and code names into what we consider the most appropriate of the seven business unit categories – despite the fact that Microsoft will likely assign them to one of the three overarching product divisions.
All dates in our charts reflect calendar years, not Microsoft fiscal years. Changes made since the last version of the Code Name Tracker are in bold-faced type. We detail new entries and changes to existing ones in the body of the charts.
The calendar, which we update monthly, lists major shows, product launches and other dates of interest to Microsoft Watchers. We include some third-party-sponsored shows, trainings, and other events we think of interest. We also may choose to include data points regarding Microsoft's major competitors, which may have some bearing on Microsoft.
Our intent is not to be all-inclusive; it is simply to provide you with planning tools – ones that we use ourselves -- to keep tabs on the sleepless software giant.
Your trusty Microsoft Watcher takes personal responsibility for any gross oversights or omissions, and welcomes suggestions for future entries from you loyal readers.
As always, questions, comments and tips are welcome, and confidentiality is guaranteed. Please use the form at here or e-mail us at mswatch@ziffdavis.com.
Thanks!
Mary Jo Foley, Editor
Highlights From Code Name Tracker 4.3 and Year-Ahead Calendar 4.3
- On the calendar front, we've added a couple of new shows, including an April Longhorn Server design preview for software developers; the May WinHEC confab (we accidentally omitted this one from previous calendars); and the May AIIM content management show, where Microsoft is rumored to be planning a big presence.
- The RTM and launch delays for Windows Vista and launch delay for Office 2007 are both reflected in this latest calendar, as well.
- On the code name side of the house, we've added some brand-new entries and updated some old favorites. New to this month's tracker are "Fiji," "Warhol," and "Origami." We've filled in some previously unknown code names, like "Jamaica" ( a k a Microsoft's corporate antivirus service), too. We've also added a plethora of new Microsoft Research projects and their code names to this month's tracker. Microsoft released limited info on more than a dozen of new research projects at its recent TechFest conference.
- And make sure to check out the Microsoft Business Solutions portion of the tracker for "just-in" updates on the status of Microsoft' CRM and ERP wares.
Without further ado, click here for the full Code Name Tracker 4.3
(simply login to your account and download the PDF)
And get your full Calendar 4.3 here
(simply login to your account and download the PDF)
Chats and Web Casts to Watch
Those tedious online chats and Web casts do contain tasty tidbits and even a lesson or two. There are plenty to choose from (as you can see if you click on our resources links at the bottom of this item).
Here are our recommendations for your viewing pleasure over the next 30 days:
****
March 30: 11:00 AM (EST) starting time
Microsoft Product Roadmap Preview for Educators
Microsoft is targeting this Webcast at educators. Company officials will highlight the 2006-2007 roadmap for Windows Vista, Office 2007, Longhorn Server and more, especially for teacher/administrator customers.
****
April 5: 12:00 PM (EST) start time
TechNet Webcast: User Account Control: Moving to a Standard User Enterprise Desktop
Given Microsoft's move to lock down desktops with Windows Vista, this Webcast sounds kind of intriguing: "What problems are you likely to encounter as you transition from an administrative desktop to a standard user desktop in your enterprise? This webcast explores the hidden configuration costs associated with this transition."
****
April 5: 1:30 PM (EST) start time
Solution Spotlight Webinar: The Road to Vista
April must be roadmap month at Microsoft. This Webcast will focus on Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 SP1 and Windows Server 2003 R2. Not sure how many "sneak preview" kinds of features will be unveiled, but we'll see.
****
April 5: 2:00 PM (EST) start time
Microsoft Technology Roadmap Review
And yet another Microsoft roadmap Webcast: "When can we expect the next versions of Windows Server, SharePoint Server, Windows Desktop and Office? What is Microsoft Systems Center? How can I participate in current beta programs?" Tune in for answers to one and all of these questions.
****
April 13: 4:00 PM (EST) start time
MSDN Webcast: Developing Workflows for the 2007 Version of the Microsoft Office System and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
Two of the biggest new features in Office will be the workflow architecture embedded into Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and Windows Workflow Foundation. This Webcast will focus on how these pieces of technology will impact users of Office 2007 and designers using the related Office SharePoint Designer 2007 tools.
****
April 20: 5:30 PM (EST) start time
Security in Microsoft Products
In his regularly monthly Web chat, Microsoft's Security Business Unit head Mike Nash and his crew will answer any kind of security question that participants want to ask.
****
Resources
Microsoft
USA Webcasts
Archived Microsoft Webcasts Available on Demand
MSDN
Chats
New:
MSDN Web Casts Web Log
TechNet
Technical Chats
TechNet
Technical Chat Transcripts
Product
Support Webcasts
****
Got a Microsoft product, strategy or personality you're just dying to read more about? Send your ideas, rants, raves, quibbles and other tidbits to mfoley@ziffdavis.com. (Don't worry, though: Confidentiality is guaranteed!)
If you experience any difficulties with receiving your issues of Microsoft Watch, please click
here.
Microsoft Watch Information
Copyright 2006 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ziff Davis Media Inc., 28 East 28th Street, New York, NY 10016. The Microsoft Watch newsletter and Code Name Tracker are intended for the individual use of the recipient only, unless licensed. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Microsoft Watch is an independent publication, not affiliated with or authorized by Microsoft Corporation.
|
|
