Microsoft will officially launch its anticipated Windows XP
operating system at an event in New York's Times Square on 25
October.
The company is counting on the new operating system to drive its
.Net strategy of pervasive computing. With built-in features such
as instant messaging and notification - two components of its
Hailstorm Web services initiative - Windows XP is pegged as the
first major operating system release to come from Microsoft since
Windows 95.
In a statement this week, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said
Microsoft's decision to launch the operating system in New York
represented a revival of the city after the terrorist attacks which
toppled the World Trade Centre towers and killed thousands.
"Microsoft's launch of Windows XP in our city is an affirmation of
the business community's continuing commitment to New York City
remaining the business capital of the world," Giuliani said. "It is
another example of the fact that New York City is open for
business."
While 25 October is the official launch date for Windows XP,
customers can already get the operating system from PC
manufacturers.
Compaq and Hewlett-Packard have unveiled a series of computers
featuring the operating system, and made them available through
their direct sales channels. Other PC makers, including Gateway and
Dell, have also started selling PCs configured with the operating
system.