14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft this week outlined its Indigo Web services technology, telling developers the Windows programming model would take Web services to the next level in terms of security, reliability and interoperability.
The Indigo subsystem is one of Longhorn's four key pillars, the other three being The Windows File System, or WinFS; the Avalon presentation subsystem and APIs designed to provide core power management, driver management, application installation/deployment, digital rights management.
These pillars were designed to plug into WinFX which was designed to replace Win32. At least that was the original plan, until Microsoft decided to put off the WinFS until at least 2008, but it will actually come to life towards 2008 or 2010 with the Blackcomb system.
Microsoft also announced a community technology preview (CTP) of Indigo scheduled for March, at which time developers will be able to test, experiment and comment on Indigo beta releases and their features.
The company said that Indigo would provide Web services interoperability, joining applications within and outside the enterprise Meet the server enhanced for Linux: the new IBM eServer OpenPower system, while delivering better security, stability and communications capability required by corporate customers.
Microsoft said Indigo will be an extension of its .Net Framework 2.0, providing access to the technology for millions of Visual Studio developers. The communications subsystem will also be capable of working with existing Web services technologies including ASMX, .Net Remoting, .Net Enterprise Services, WSE and System.Messaging, Microsoft said.