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Tevanian: Does Microsoft have the guts to slim down Windows?
For your lazy Sunday afternoon, The New York Times investigates what it would take Microsoft to remove decades of cruft in its Windows operating system, like Apple did in 2000 with Mac OS X. Avie Tevanian, formerly senior VP of software development at Apple, oversaw the transition to Mac OS X. When asked if Microsoft could pull of a switch to a small microkernel-based implementation of Windows, Tevanian said "perhaps, but I don't know if it has the intestinal fortitude." Oh, snap. Actually, Avie was referring to an atmosphere of desperation, as the Times calls it, just before Apple started the Mac OS X project. Microsoft, possibly, hasn't hit "rock bottom" yet, and therefore doesn't feel a need to build something from scratch. Personally, I thought "Windows 7" was going to be a leaner, less-backward-compatible build, but I was wrong (as I frequently am): "Our approach with Windows 7 is to build off the same core architecture as Windows Vista," said Bill Veghte, a Microsoft VP. Hello, Windows Me 2.0. [Via John Siracusa.]
Avadis 'Avie' Tevanian leaving Apple
The SFGate.com reports that Avie Tevanian, Apple's Chief Software Technology Officer, is leaving the company to 'pursue other interests.' Isn't that always the reason that execs leave big companies? Who knew these people had so many interests.Avie had a large role in shaping OS X into what it is today, and I am sure that his insight will be missed at Apple. TUAW wishes him all the best (since I'm sure he reads us).[via Daring Fireball]
