The Longhorn edition of Microsoft"s Windows operating system is at least two years away--but the company is revealing some details on how it intends to create a smooth transition from today"s Windows PCs.
One of the most significant enhancements to Longhorn is a data storage system called WinFS, technology designed to make information easier to find and view. Clearing up long-standing confusion, a Microsoft senior vice president said that WinFS will work with--not replace--the existing file system in Windows, called NTFS, when WinFS debuts in late 2005 or 2006.
WinFS "uses NTFS," Bob Muglia, senior vice president of Microsoft"s enterprise storage and enterprise management divisions, told CNET News.com. "We built on top. NTFS does what it does incredibly well."