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Just a Thought - Microsoft's New File System Still A Long Ways Off
by - December 28th, 2004
Microsoft, is a bit red-faced these days; not only will PC users have to wait longer for the already long-awaited Longhorn, it now seems that finding files and folders fast with a new and promised file system, WinFS, won't find its way to users for a few more years yet.
A CNet News article reported that a Microsoft exec has pretty much killed any hopes of seeing a new file system from Microsoft anytime soon. More specifically, the article quoted Windows Server Chief Bob Muglia as having said "WinFS in not in the Longhorn client. It is also not in Longhorn Server."
So, when will the general public see WinFS? Try sometime past 2010. CNet article said that, "WinFS may not debut in the operating system until the next decade, when the version of Windows beyond Longhorn, code-named Blackcomb, is slated to ship. Mr. Muglia explains that, 'This isn't a relational database. This is a brand-new data model, and it satisfies a whole class of applications that frankly have been unsatisfied from a data model perspective since the beginning of history. We've been working on things like this for a long time.'"
There is some good news for Windows users, however; the article outlines some features that will appear in Windows servers via updates, service packs, and, in 2007, Longhorn.
What's interesting here is that Microsoft is admitting that it spilled the beans prematurely about WinFS. At least, that's what you read on the surface; what's hidden between the lines is the notion that Microsoft did not want to appear to be slacking when Apple announced advanced file system features in its new OS, Tiger, and it took a 'me too' position instead of one where it appeared to be leading OS innovation.
Now Big Redmond wants to disassociate the release of its OS and features from anyone else's, and take the time to insure that it is offering quality features.
It's a gamble for the Redmond giant, but one that few can afford to take. By pushing off Longhorn to 2007, and WinFS even further, Microsoft could lose valuable customers to its rivals. Apple, Unix vendors such as Sun and HP, and Linux vendors such as IBM, are all actively working on solutions that might entice current Microsoft customers away from the fold.
Even if Microsoft lost 20% of its customer base to others, it would still have a commanding presence in the server and desktop markets, and new and innovative features in future releases of Windows and Windows server could win back any losses, or so they might hope.
Gamble or no, the delay does open the door for other vendors, and it will be interesting to see how many customers decide to move.
is a writer who currently lives in Orlando, FL. He's been a Mac fan since Atari Computers folded, but has worked with computers of nearly every type for 20 years.
You can send your comments directly to me, or you can also post your comments below.
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Observer Comments
Tue Dec 28, 2004 4:18 pm Subject: backward compatibility
QuoteIf it weren't so obvious that you have no idea what you were talking about, I'd almost think you just said HFS+ totally sucks when compared to NTFS. Care to elaborate? What's better about NTFS? The slower performance? The lack of actual support for journaling? The lack of on the fly defrag support?Guest wrote:
At least PC users have their current file system, which is much better than the one we Mac users have had to use since the original Macintosh (MFS - the Macintosh File System). I hope Apple does deliver with something better in their next release.
Tue Dec 28, 2004 5:32 pm Subject: Re: At least they have something.
QuoteGuest wrote:
At least PC users have their current file system, which is much better than the one we Mac users have had to use since the original Macintosh (MFS - the Macintosh File System). I hope Apple does deliver with something better in their next release.
You're right. MFS does suck... fortunately Apple ditched it in System 3.
Tue Dec 28, 2004 5:48 pm Subject: Took the words right out of my mouth
Biff wrote: "If it weren't so obvious that you have no idea what you were talking about, I'd almost think you just said HFS+ totally sucks when compared to NTFS. Care to elaborate? What's better about NTFS? The slower performance? The lack of actual support for journaling? The lack of on the fly defrag support?"
Couldn't have said it better. As someone who uses both windooze and Mac daily I would also like to know how NTFS is better than HFS+ ?? MFS has not been around, for a long, long time.
QuoteGuest wrote:
But a question, is it similar to what MS calls an "Object File System" ?
In others terms, can we expect that Apple will need to move to another FS (or an improved HFS+++) before we see WinFS ?
I think the fact that Microsoft has had so little success with a object file system, and the fact that other OS vendors and MS itself have managed without one speaks volumes about both the practicality and necessity of an OFS.
In other words, I think it has been shown to be an interested experiment that we are unlikely to ever see widely used. Even the mythical WinFS does not appear to be a OFS, but instead is based on relational database concepts.
As an interesting aside, for years object databases were supposed to obsolete relational databases, which were purported to be dinosaurs. And yet, Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, and others are alive and well while object databases remain little more than a curiosity. Sometimes a technology or concept sticks around because it just works.
Tue Dec 28, 2004 10:06 pm Subject: Object File System?
Backward compatibility is both a blessing and a curse. It serves as a platform switching barrier but it is also restraining Microsoft from innovating. Somehow Microsoft needs to cut off this "backward compatibility" umbilical cord to avoid the faith of a stagnant baby.
Wed Dec 29, 2004 12:32 am Subject: Re: Backward Compatibility
QuoteIf there is no backward compatibility, why should we buy Longhorn? Mac OS X, Linux and other Unix variants would be much better. They already have tons of applications developed for them and are proven to be rock-solid.Anonymous wrote:
Originally MS wasn't going to make Longhorn backward compatible. It was going to be "bullet proof' and everyone was supposed to be thrilled to buy new software all over again just to be safe from all of the viruses and stuff that comes with the current OS.
Ha-ha, Microsoft is now trapped in their own success formula.
QuoteWinFS is not actually a new file system. It is still NTFS. WinFS is created when a relational database is layered over the NTFS file system. The database stores additional info about files allowing relationships to be created among files beyond just the directory struxture of the underlying physical file system (NTFS).Guest wrote:
With HFS+, we've (as Biff said) journaling, meta-data, auto-defrag, true alias, case sensitive (on 10.3 server and 10.4 client).. etc, and soon, spotlight.
But a question, is it similar to what MS calls an "Object File System" ?
In others terms, can we expect that Apple will need to move to another FS (or an improved HFS+++) before we see WinFS ?
Apparently MS is finding this to be a pain in the ass when it comes to real world implementation. Apple's approach to the issue for Spotlight is much simpler yet is extremely effective.
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