Winbeta.org reports that Windows Installer 3.0 has reached Beta 2 status. Affectionately known as MSI, the new installer will become one of only two Microsoft installers, if the Redmondiands stick to plan. Currently, Microsoft supports at least eight different installers across its various product lines, which has created havoc for software developers and users. Whittling down the number of installers is part of Microsoft's overall patch-management push.