Windows Net OS?

Microsoft is reportedly set to begin work on an Internet-based version of its flagship software, the Windows operating system. Its Chief Financial Officer told reporters that the software giant is pushing a massive amount of money into the project, what many believe to be a majority of its $3.8 billion research and development budget.

Focusing on seven key areas, Microsoft aims this new operating system at business-to-client, and business-to-family contacts. Examples include doctor appointments, work schedules, and flight times, which would be made available directly from the Web, making it easy for both the company and the employee or client.

These seven areas, which include storage and personalizaton, billing, publishing, relationship management, directory, and communications, are said to be "the core of the platform and are among the most vexing challenges on the Internet today," stated Microsoft C.F.O. Connors.

The huge undertaking is to be founded on the latest Web language, eXtensible Markup Language (XML), which makes data transfer between PCs and other Internet devices easier to coordinate.

More information related to the new Web-based OS and further Microsoft Internet initiatives will come in May, when the software giant will reveal some of its future plans.

Connors also told reporters this recent movement towards Internet applications and services, and away from the solid foundation of personal computing, is the reason Bill Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft earlier this year.