New 'Monad' Command Line Hits Beta 1

After nearly nine months of testing, Microsoft's next-generation command line based shell has reached Beta 1. Code-named "Monad," the new programmable Unix-like shell was originally thought to be a component of Longhorn, but Microsoft executives have recently indicated the technology is actually three to five years away.

Monad will, however, play a central role in Exchange 12. Administrative functions will be built atop the new shell, which would enable users to do everything from the command line that can be done from the graphical interface. Users interested in trying out Monad can join the beta program by visiting Beta Place with the Guest ID: mshPDC.