Windows Vista To Come In Seven Editions

IT Pro Magazine is running an article by Paul Thurrott, explaining that Microsoft is planning to release the next version of its client operating system, Windows Vista (previously codenamed Longhorn) as a series of up to seven different SKU.

The author describes how there will be two general categories of Windows Vista editions, Home and Business.

Each category will have editions aimed to different market segments. In the Home category, Microsoft will create four product editions: Windows Vista Starter Edition, Windows Vista Home Basic Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, and Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. In the Business category, there are plans for the release of three editions: Windows Vista Small Business Edition, Windows Vista Professional Edition, and Windows Vista Enterprise Edition.

In all, there are 7 product editions planned for Windows Vista

For example, Windows Vista Starter Edition is for those beginner computer users in emerging markets who can only afford a low cost PC. This will be a subset of Home Edition, and will ship in a 32-bit version only. It will also be limited to and allow only three applications to run simultaneously. This version will only be sold in emerging markets.

The next versions in the range will offer more multimedia capabilities, and enhanced security features.

Business users will start with the Windows Vista Professional Edition, which will include domain and management functionality, compatibility with non-Microsoft networking protocols (Netware, SNMP, etc.), Remote Desktop, IIS Web server, and Encrypted File System (EFS). Additionally, Pro Standard will include Tablet PC functionality. The author says Windows Vista Pro is roughly analogous to XP Pro today.

The Windows Vista Enterprise Edition. Optimized for the enterprise, will also include unique features such as Virtual PC, the multi-language user interface (MUI), and the Secure Startup/full volume encryption security technologies ("Cornerstone").

Windows Vista Ultimate Edition: The best operating system ever offered for a personal PC, optimized for the individual. Windows Vista Ultimate Edition is a superset of both Vista Home Premium and Vista Pro Edition, so it includes all of the features of both of those product versions, plus other benefits, including on-line services being considered. This version is aimed at high-end PC users and technology influencers, gamers, digital media enthusiasts, and students.