Lessons From Geekdom

Gartner thinks that Microsoft needs to modularize its OS through virtualization.

Virtualisation[sic] is best known as a way of running multiple server instances on a single hardware platform, but it can also be used to run individual operating system functions or applications. The technique isolates the various components from one another, making them easier to manage. Gartner believes Microsoft will use virtualisation[sic] to divide the Windows client into a "service partition", controlling system functions such as management and security, and one or more application partitions. Such a path is already being followed in the x86 server world, Gartner said.

"The combination of the service partition and the ability to deliver horizontal functions in software appliances provides the key for unbundling the Windows OS," the analysts wrote. Such an architecture would allow Microsoft to make major development changes to Windows without worrying about disrupting dependencies across the entire operating system. This, in turn, would mean the company could release regular updates, and would make backward compatibility easier.

Microsoft disagrees, but Garner thinks that their concerns are unfounded. I’m more willing to trust the company with some skin in the game. I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with companies and people that don’t actually do anything trying to tell the companies and people that do do something how they should do it better.

The lesson is clear – when there are no risks it is easy to theorize and postulate all sorts of grandiose ideas, but when you have to suffer the risks of your own decisions chances are that your actions will be much more successful.