Microsoft releases test version of WinFS

Microsoft releases test version of WinFS

One of the most talked about feature in the upcoming next generation operating system from the house of Microsoft is the Windows Future Storage technology popularly known as WinFS. It was originally scheduled to arrive with the Longhorn that has now been renamed to Windows Vista. However, after several delays in the company… Microsoft said that the original launch of Windows Vista might not come with WinFS installed and it would be released later as an update for the operating system.

The latest news however is good news for the developers interested in this technology. The company out of nowhere released a limited test version of this file storage enhancement. They have made this available to Microsoft Developer Network subscribers. This technology is to aim for improved file searching on the disks by applying a SQL styled layer over the NTFS file storage system.

However, this test release does not mean that the development cycle for WinFS has gained speed and it would now be released before the scheduled time. Quentin Clark, director of program management for the new file system cautioned: “I would certainly not characterize WinFS as being ahead of schedule”. The company officially explains WinFS as a tool that makes it easier to find information stored on both local PCs and across networks.