Stardock Offers Alternatives in OEM Desktop Struggle

While discussions continue as to the fate of lucrative desktop real estate, Stardock has another solution for OEMs looking to appease Microsoft and partners alike -- sell the taskbar and My Computer instead.

It is no surprise that the desktop has become a strong point of contention in the upcoming Windows XP. Companies have long viewed exposure in Windows as the most valuable marketing tool, forcibly proliferating their wares on millions of new computers each year. But Microsoft now wants the space left empty, and OEMs are stuck contemplating whether to support a simplified user experience or make a quick buck.

Microsoft argues that too many desktop icons make for a confusing work environment, hindering the usability of Windows. A Desktop Cleanup Wizard is also enabled by default to rid XP of unused icons every sixty days.

Instead, users are to access and browse their computer via a newly expanded Start Menu without having to minimize open windows. The Start Menu will automatically provide icons for programs used most often.

Redmond rival Apple Computer seems to agree with this caveat, shipping Mac OS X with zero application icons on the desktop.

Desktop Not Clean

PC makers didn't take too kindly to the request, however, as most have become heavily reliant on revenues generated by renting out the space. As previously reported by BetaNews, OEMs have been accepting hefty bounties from partners looking to be showcased with new computers.

In turn, Microsoft offered OEMs two options: a completely clean desktop, or include Windows icons with those added. In an interview with eWeek, Microsoft Group Vice President Jim Allchin acknowledged that the software giant "told OEMs that if they were going to put a bunch of icons on the desktop, then so were we."

The response was clear and according to Allchin, "their answer was that they needed the money and so the desktop wouldn't be clean."

The Answer

Subscription software company Stardock may have an answer to the desktop woes with a technology tentatively dubbed OEM Partner Extensions (Screenshot), which aims to benefit all parties.

"Microsoft isn't the boogeyman here. They are trying to deliver a radically new version of Windows that has a clean desktop. The solutions Stardock provide all keep the desktop clean, promote key Microsoft APIs, and allow OEMs to customize their machines. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved," Stardock CEO Brad Wardell told BetaNews.

Leveraging existing Stardock technology that has been in development for over three years, the extensions will allow OEMs to customize the taskbar, My Computer, and the "throbber" that appears on the top right of all Explorer windows.

Because Microsoft has built the taskbar fully COM enabled, actual programs--called COM objects--can reside in its space. Wardell explained how modifying the taskbar could potentially be of benefit to a partner such as AOL.

User Benefits

"Integrating services into the shell or browser of Windows means that OEM partners and customers can more easily interact with each other. For instance, an AOL user could look at their Start bar and see if they have e-mail waiting for them. The same AOL toolbar could let them know if there's an instant message waiting. Because toolbars are actual programs (not icons), that space can be used for many different things by the partner.

"The user benefits because their desktop doesn't feel like it's been spammed upon installation," Wardell added, "They get useful content from the OEM partner that is more subtle than the traditional 'let's throw 20 things on to the desktop'."

In addition, OEMs can use the extensions to add an icon in My Computer that directly links a Web location. (Screenshot)

The Windows throbber, which is normally white and displays an animation, can also be custom tailored for partners. Stardock creates an irregularly shaped and transparent throbber that serves as a link to any Web destination. Such real estate may prove more valuable than the desktop because this graphic is displayed on every Explorer window a user opens.

Perhaps most important, Wardell assures BetaNews that an end user retains control of Windows and can turn off the extensions at any time.

Stardock plans to make the technology available to licensees beginning next week. The setup process is extremely simple, as OEMs will be provided pre-configured DLLs and an installer, according to Stardock.

Wardell doesn't believe such customization would upset Microsoft, but conceded its MSN group may have some gripes over competitors getting a leg up. "Microsoft is the one who created these unused APIs, not us. Microsoft gave developers the keys to the door, we're just opening the door.

"People don't realize that Windows XP is really representative of a brave new world. It's the first version of Windows in which it seems Microsoft has really embraced the concept of customization."

AOL and Microsoft did not return requests for comment by press time.