Microsoft to Release Stripped-Down Longhorn in 2006

Microsoft has announced that its much touted, much delayed "Longhorn" operating system -- the successor to Windows XP -- will be released in 2006, but without several key features. Most notable among these is the Windows File System (WinFS), which, among other things, is supposed to allow for more streamlined searches. Microsoft's critics have found this puzzling, as WinFS would be the primary reason for PC users to make the upgrade. Otheres, however, believe that the true milestone for Microsoft will be 2007, when the new generation of Windows Server software is scheduled for release. Perhaps, but three years is plenty of time for competitors such as Linux to make inroads...