On Wednesday, Bill Gates, Microsoft’s chairman, revealed the company’s newest operating system, Vista, showcasing unique features meant to challenge its major competitors, Reuters reports.The new upgrade displayed a brand new interface with 3-D scrolling between translucent windows, allowing users to view images and information beneath. Vista is scheduled to ship during the second half of 2006, and will include a new version of Windows Media Center that’s compatible with high definition programming and an Internet Explorer with improved security features.Vista also contains a search function that scans content on users’ PCs and networks. The function is meant to slash the virtual monopoly Google holds in the world of Web search. Microsoft also unveiled MTV Network’s Urge Music Service, which will be built into Vista’s Windows Media Center in an attempt to gain traction in the digital music industry, where Apple and its iPod reign supreme.At the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Vista was unveiled, Gates unexpectedly downplayed the competition between his company and Google, saying that Microsoft has more to fear from Apple and IBM. “People tend to get overfocused on one of our competitors,” Gates said. “The biggest company in the computer industry by far is IBM. IBM has always been our biggest competitor. The press just doesn’t like to write about that.” By Al Sacco Related content brandpost Sponsored by Palo Alto Networks Operational technology systems require a robust Zero Trust strategy in 2024 Zero Trust provides a foundation for creating a stronger security posture in 2024. By Navneet Singh, vice president of marketing, network security, Palo Alto Networks Dec 05, 2023 6 mins Security brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM How digital twin technology is changing complex industrial processes forever As the use cases for digital twins proliferate, it is becoming clear that data-driven enterprises with a track record of innovation stand the best chance of success. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM Why modernising applications needs to be a ‘must’ for businesses seeking growth Around one-third of enterprises are spending heavily on application modernisation and aiming for cloud native status. The implications for corporate culture, structure and priorities will be profound. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation opinion 11 ways to reduce your IT costs now Reorienting IT’s budget toward future opportunities is a big reason why CIOs should review their IT portfolios with an eye toward curbing unnecessary spending and realizing maximum value from every IT investment. By Stephanie Overby Dec 05, 2023 11 mins Budget Cloud Management IT Governance Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe