Gates plans Windows revamp for Internet age

• 
  Antony Savvas
• Published: 03 Feb 2000 0:00

Microsoft chief software architect Bill Gates is talking about modifying Microsoft's Windows system, just two weeks before the launch of Windows 2000 - the biggest modification Microsoft has ever made to its flagship OS.

At the world leaders' Davos summit in Switzerland this week, the former Microsoft CEO spelled out his intentions to revamp Windows to take full advantage of new technologies in Internet communications and storage.

The announcement will be seen as justifying his new role after handing power to Steve Ballmer, who is now Microsoft's chief executive.

Gates outlined a three-year plan that will see Windows adopt a "new interface" and a new set of applications behind it. He plans to integrate key Internet features into Windows, such as bookmarking, to help users work faster and more efficiently on the Internet.

Internet data communication technologies like XML will also play a big role in Windows' redevelopment, and Gates signalled his support for the thin-client concept by advocating the storage of data on the Internet too, instead of using bulky desktops.