Microsoft Corp. on Thursday reportedly started to discuss features and capabilities of the next-generation operating system code-named Vienna.

    Vienna and which is now called 7. The world’s largest software maker keeps the lips tight regarding the innovations to be found in the new OS, but the main message now is that it would be delivered on time.

    What is known about Windows Vienna, or Windows 7, is that it will be available roughly in three years time, will have 32-bit and 64-bit versions with different flavours of the new operating system targeting home and business customers. A news-story at Cnet News.com web-site also states that the company also confirmed that it “is considering a subscription model to complement Windows”, but did not provide specifics or a time frame.

    Microsoft confirmed that it had begun to discuss Windows 7 with its field sales force as well as business customers belonging to Software Assurance program.

    “The details were released as part of our ongoing outreach to enterprise customers and partners, Microsoft has begun sharing plans for how they will continue to deliver value to businesses in the future, Software Assurance customers in particular,” a Microsoft spokesperson is reported to have said.

    Earlier this year Microsoft said that it would release Windows Vienna in two or two and a half years timeframe, however, currently the company is already stating about three years development time. It remains to be seen which features Microsoft would like to implement into its new operating system to make it more attractive to the consumers and whether those additional capabilities will cause any delays.

    “Microsoft is scoping Windows 7 development to a three-year time frame, and then the specific release date will ultimately be determined by meeting the quality bar,” according to the representative.

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