Microsoft Cooking the Next Generation Windows Plug-and-Play Architecture

One aspect of the Windows operating system that Microsoft is looking to take to a new level is the Plug-and-Play architecture. According to a member of the group dealing with the Windows Device Platform, the Redmond company is gearing up for the next stage in the evolution of Plug-and-Play. Whether end users will start seeing an evolved PnP starting with Windows 7 remains to be seen - however, Microsoft only pointed to future Windows releases and not to a specific version.

"Windows is the universal device platform. With a rich ecosystem of over 1.7 million unique device models supported by Windows today, and that number is growing rapidly. Windows is the center of one of the world's largest network of connected, compatible devices. Our team owns the Windows device platform, which exposes these devices and their myriad functions to the rest of the system. After 12 years of unprecedented adoption and success, we are rethinking Plug and Play for the next decade," Microsoft revealed.

The software giant is in the planning stage of the next-generation Plug-and-Play architecture. In this regard, a job is available for a technical Product Manager, who will take the lead of the project and put together a comprehensive plan which will span throughout multiple releases of Windows. The new PnP architecture is merely an aspect of the efforts that Microsoft is pouring into overhauling its application model for the Windows platform. Users, however, should not expect a revolution so much as a long-term evolution.

"This role will work closely with program managers, developers and architects throughout the organization. Proactive and competent communication and effective cross-group working styles are essential. Ability to quickly ramp-up on new technologies and understand developer needs is also important," the company added.