Microsoft “Vienna” Will Succeed Vista

Microsoft’s efforts to ship its newest operating system, Windows Vista, later this year have not stopped the company from setting its sights on the future and Vista’s successor, currently code named Vienna, CNET News.comreports.

Vienna was originally deemed Blackcomb, after a popular ski resort in British Columbia, Canada. Windows XP was code named Whistler, also a Canadian ski resort.

Though Microsoft has not announced any details as to when Vienna can be expected to ship, or what features it may tout, it did confirm the name change on Friday.

“The ’Blackcomb’ code name has been changed to ’Vienna,’ but we do not have any other details to share on timing or focus,” Microsoft said in a statement to CNET News.com. “This does not reflect big change for us; we have used city code names in the past, which are derived from cities/locations in the world known for great ’vistas’—the kinds of places we all want to see, experience and that capture the imagination. Vienna fits with this concept.”

–Al Sacco