NEWS Companies should check out the new functionality in the first beta of Windows Vista - but most can leave serious testing until the second beta, according to analyst group Gartner.
Last week Microsoft revealed that the next version of Windows, formerly known as Longhorn, will be called Windows Vista, with the first beta expected shortly.
Gartner said first betas do not usually include many new user interface elements and instead concentrate on building the foundation of the new operating system - and Windows Vista beta 1 is likely to keep to that pattern.
The analyst firm said the initial beta is likely to include long-awaited search and metadata tagging functions but will focus on the new application programming interface (API) set, known as WinFX, and other kernel-level changes.
In a research note written by Gartner vice president Michael A Silver, the analyst house predicted: "The operating system will likely change significantly between beta 1, beta 2 (expected early in 2006) and the commercial release, expected late in 2006."
It said Windows users shouldn't judge the performance or hardware compatibility of Windows Vista from the first beta. Instead, companies should use the beta to build an understanding of Vista's search capability, its new imaging and deployment features, and the protected user access.
Companies that have already adopted Windows XP should take a look at the new APIs and try out the new features but, said Gartner, there's no point in thoroughly testing them or checking for systems compatibility.
"You may wait at least until beta 2, if not longer, before beginning testing in earnest," it said.
But companies running Windows 2000 that plan to skip Windows XP need to act sooner.
"After Windows Vista ships, you will have much less time than those running Windows XP to test and deploy the new operating system before independent software vendor support starts waning around 2007 and Microsoft ends all bug-fix support in mid 2010," Gartner said.
These companies should begin talking to the developers of your critical applications and plan on some limited, internal compatibility testing with beta 1, Gartner said.
Comments
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1. L John
HAH - that will be the day - wait for Beta 7 or 8, or even for service pack 2, expected in 2012 !! (anyone been here before?)
PS Surely Beta 2 should be called Charlie, Beta 4 should be called Delta etc. ??
2. anonymous
Considering how long it has been since the last MS desktop OS i seem to have forgotten what testing is, Hmm must go and find notes from 3 years ago.
How many security holes are avalable for not optional download???
3. GGrimes
The article is right, home users and businesses with XP should wait unless they really have to have it. As for those who want to wait for Beta 7 or 8, keep in mind that MS has to design an OS around thousands of configurations, instead of the few configuratoions Mac has for its toy computers. Im testing Vista now and the Security improvements are just what my organization needs for the public computer labs we operate. Parental controls, improved firewall, not to mention an easy to use interface (and the final interface hasnt even been released yet). Beta is for technical types only. No one can judge Vista by Beta 1. For Beta 2, you can start, for the retail model (RTM) you definitley can, and of course for the Final Release.
4. anonymous
whoeav the person was who said about charlie and delta and stuff obviously doesnt know about the word beta being used in this content
please use wikipedia if you're so noobish and think this
i myself have tested vista and would like to say that it is far to powerful for most pcs and tbh will not reach all of the public like windows XP did unlees you want to upgrade your PC to the max. I was JUST able to run it on a 1.8mghz 512mb ram and a 64mb 5200 nvidia with duel display
This is an average Pc ( aprt from the duel display running) but it only just worked so if u want it WAIT.
and do your research before posting