14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft codename Casino has been designed to counter Google Desktop in delivering the next generation Windows Search Experience. With Windows Vista Microsoft has made consistent advancements in regard to desktop search, however, Casino is directly directed at Google Desktop. Initially, Microsoft has parked Casino under the Live brand, but then relocated the project under Windows.
And in fact Casino, also referred to as OneView, Windows Live Search Center, Windows Search Preview and Windows Live Desktop Search, will integrate with the Windows platform, and will enable users to search not only the desktop, but also networks and the Internet.
"It's just like Google Desktop," one source familiar with the project revealed to CRN. "OneView gives you access to Windows Live Search. Windows Live Search indexes the whole environment, including local documents and networked documents, and OneView gives you total access to that information."
Windows Vista and Windows Live Search are the final destinations for Casino. Microsoft is keeping details about Casino at a minimum, but apparently the product has reached the beta stage and it's working its way up to RTM.
Microsoft informed that it considers Casino a mere prototype for the Windows Search technology. However, the Redmond company denied the fact that Casino, referred to as Windows Search preview, is going to end up as a specific product. Microsoft also confirmed the fact that Casino is not available publicly. Details related to Casino are scarce at this point, and a release date could not be confirmed. However, I will keep you posted on the matter.