The key word in the titles is modular. When thinking of a Microsoft modular operating system you have to think about a software that is at the opposite pole of Windows Vista. While Vista is a mononolithic OS, the forthcoming operating systems from the Redmond Company will be modular in nature.

Recently, Gartner predicted that Windows Vista will be the last Windows release of this magnitude and that the Redmond Company will shift its operating system strategy toward incremental upgrades and flexible updates.

Confirming Gartner's prediction, Microsoft has filed for a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a modular operating system. The title of Microsoft's patent applications is "System and method for delivery of a modular operating system." A Microsoft modular operating system will make Windows Vista with in excess of 50 million lines of code, the last of its kind.

"An operating system and method for use include a core function module, or basic kernel, providing fundamental operating system support and one or more add-on modules that allow customization of the operating system as desired. Add-on modules may provide support or extended capability to the computer including hardware, applications, peripherals, and support. A digital signature may be used to confirm the integrity of an add-on module prior to installation. Certification may be verified to determine if installation of the add-on module is authorized. By withholding certification, a service provider may manage illegal or undesired modifications to a provided computer. Digital rights management may be used to enforce terms of use of the add-on module in keeping with licensing arrangements," reads an excerpt from Microsoft's patent.

Instead of releasing a complete operating system, Microsoft will fragment the product, delivering a universal and basic core OS, and allowing the users to built upon the nucleus OS with additional operating system segments. In this manner, users will be enabled to buy the fundamental Windows Modular operating system and then add components, capabilities, features, each fragment with its own price tag and license.