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Gates Aims For 2006 Longhorn Release: Page 4 of 5

When Microsoft first announced Windows 95, it said it would include features which it later dropped, and rolled instead into the next versions, Windows 98 and Windows XP.

Another option would be to take the modular approach Microsoft used with Windows Server 2003 -- getting out a basic edition on time, then adding more components later.

But in the end, any brouhaha about Longhorn release dates may be moot.

"Microsoft has some maneuvering room because of its dominance," said Wilcox. "Windows is mostly the only game in town, and when that's the case, the pressure isn't as great to deliver."

Or maybe Longhorn's release date won't be moot.