Microsoft's Next Generation Development Tool for Windows Vista Available as a Virtual Machine

Microsoft has made its next generation development tool for Windows Vista, the 2007 Office System and the web available for download as a virtual machine. Visual Studio 9.0 Code Name "Orcas" Beta 1 team suite was made available as of April 19 2007, following the availability of the first beta for Visual Studio "Orcas."

"Visual Studio Code Name "Orcas" delivers on Microsoft's vision of smart client applications by enabling developers to rapidly create connected applications that deliver the highest quality rich user experiences. This new version enables any size organization to rapidly create more secure, manageable, and more reliable applications that take advantage of Windows Vista, 2007 Office System and the Web. By building these new types of applications, organizations will find it easier than ever before to capture and analyze information so that they can make effective business decisions," Microsoft informed.

According to Microsoft, the beta release of the Virtual PC version is available exclusively in English and Japanese. OrcasB1_VSTS_VPC is a 512.5 MB download so you have to plan a little in order to manage it. Microsoft revealed that the beta comes with productivity limitations that are covered in the accompanying EULA.

In this regard, the Redmond Company will permit users to test the new technology but not to build production systems. Microsoft strongly emphasized that the beta release is aimed at early adopters of the company's technology, platform, and tools offerings.

"Download both the Orcas Base Image and all eight files of the differencing image to your local machine. Launch the VPC differencing image on your Virtual PC or Virtual Server following the instructions section below and logon using the credential provided here: Username: Administrator; Password: P2ssw0rd," Microsoft added.