14 DAY TRIAL // I have already dedicated some tome to the modularization of the future Microsoft operating system, but I believe that my analysis is far from exhaustive. And seeing as I have the Microsoft patent application entitled "System and method for delivery of a modular operating system" at my disposal with nothing but time on the side, I cannot help myself but attempt an in-depth look.
In order to understand the concept behind the Windows modular operating system, you must think of Windows Vista; but not as a whole, rather as a sum of components. In this context, modular is synonymous with fragmented. A modular Windows is a puzzle operating system.
Modular Windows will be based on a nucleus. The nucleus will take the form of a core function module - the basic, fundamental kernel. In addition to the core functionality module, the nucleus of the OS will additionally comprise a license validation module. At this point in time, I see the license validation module as an evolved form of the Windows Genuine Advantage tool; not under its current form, but as a hybrid with an online validation service.
Being but a striped kernel, the modular Windows will also be inexpensive, and even delivered free of charge. Microsoft will then charge for the plurality of add-on modules, although some of these may also be offered for free. The plurality modules that will stack on top of the modular Windows basic kernel will comprise two aspects: functionality and authorization. Each OS fragment added to the basic modular Windows kernel will only add functionality if the license validation module validates its authorization data.
The process of adding components gives Microsoft the chance to introduce a new payment strategy for the modular Windows operating system. While the price for the most elementary operations and for the basic application support will be minimal, the Redmond Company will be able to introduce a subscription-based payment system for the plurality of add-on modules.
The subscription-based system is already being increasingly adopted, and in the case of a modular Windows, it's just common sense. Users will no longer par for a standalone version of the operating system. Microsoft's offer will be much more varied and it will focus on flexibility and customization capabilities, giving the end user control over the creation of a personalized operating system.
Basic memory management, system input/output, boot processes, file system support, and fundamental display capabilities will be the fundamental functions of the modular Windows. Additional modules will simply deliver mechanisms to extend and to increase the capabilities of the operating system.
Add-on modules will deliver support for power management, removable memory support, metered disk drives, multiple processor support, increased screen resolution, increased screen color depth, 3D acceleration, and patches/bug fixes/service packs, printers, COM ports, USB ports, telephone service, and the number of peripherals allowed, network interfaces, such as dial up, TCP, and peer-to-peer networks, application specific packages or bundled add-on modules etc.
Microsoft has already created a delimitation of the add-on modules in four categories: hardware, peripherals, communication and applications/bundles. All the add-on modules will feature digital signatures and will have to be certified prior to installation. Additionally, Microsoft will introduce Digital Rights Management across all the add-on modules to enforce the license of the OS segments.
Via the Digital Rights Management, Microsoft will control the handling of the add-on modules, the validity/ expiration date of the module, but also the additional content that the user will be able to install. With the DRM in modular Windows, Microsoft will allow only certified and authorized modules to be added to the operating system. Installing unauthorized operating system extensions will be a thing of the past. A user, although owning a modular Windows license will not be able to install hardware and/or software that Microsoft has not authorized.
"By following a process such as that described above, users benefit from the flexibility to add only those capabilities to an operating system which are of value, and, in some cases, for a period of time as needed. Operating system vendors may also benefit by reduced piracy of full capacity operating systems in favor of widely available core operating systems that are easily upgradable in affordable increments. Lastly, service providers or system operators who may be providing computers on a pay-as-you-go or pay-per-use basis may be able to limit installation of potentially harmful applications or hardware peripherals by restricting the installation of required operating system add-on modules," is Microsoft's conclusion.