Bekker's Blog

Blog archive

Coding for Vista

Microsoft is saying that nearly 1,000 global ISVs have committed to developing applications on Windows Vista. The company's list includes 15 of the top 25 global ISVs. In a news release on the number, Microsoft called attention to Trend Micro, which has a beta available for its PC-cillin Internet Security using new security features in Vista, and SolidWorks Corp., which makes computer-aided design software that takes advantage of Vista's 3-D graphics capabilities.

Microsoft has several programs to encourage ISVs to code for Vista, including Project Glidepath for tiny software development companies, a Windows Vista Developer Jumpstart Kit and the Certified for Windows Vista logo program.

One thousand applications is a nice round number. It pales in comparison to the third-party application numbers Microsoft used to report for new Windows releases. But it's not bad, I guess, with so much development targeted for browsers as the platform these days.

Still, (with credit to Directions on Microsoft analyst and RCP magazine columnist Paul DeGroot on this question) it would be nice to know how many of these applications are really leveraging new capabilities in Vista versus just being updated so they run under Vista's more restrictive User Account Control features.

Posted by Scott Bekker on July 13, 2006


Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.