Microsoft files patent for modular OS

Author: Tim Smalley
Published: 30th January 2007

Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade may play a pivotal role in the company's modular operating system plans.

Microsoft has filed a patent that signifies the company's intentions to introduce a modular operating system.

The patent, titled "System and method for delivery of a modular operating system," clearly states the software giant's intentions to "provide support or extended capability to the computer including hardware, applications, peripherals, and support" via add-in modules.

Interestingly, a lot of the vague details revealed in the patent application bare similarities to what we know about Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade and it has been reported that the company may use Anytime Upgrade to create more sales opportunities.

This approach also gives Microsoft the opportunity to add progressive updates to its OS over time. The patent also outlines Microsoft's plans to use a license validation module with DRM and product activation employed to enforce licensing agreements.

Progressive updates is something that the open source community has been doing for many years now, so it's questionable whether the patent application will be accepted. However, it does appear to confirm Microsoft's plans to release more incremental updates and additional functionality modules in the future.

Discuss these developments in the forums.