WinFS is deaddelayed, long live the WinFS.
I'll be the first to admit that when ObjectSpaces was yanked from YukonSQL Server 2005, I was a bit relieved. Theres more change in that product than most of us will ever be able to fully embrace. We didn't really need three data models in one project either, IMHO. Relational is King, XML is great, but frankly, Object-Based storage and Query strikes me as giving tweeners guns, liquor and cigarettes. Yeah, its all cool and yeah, it does serve a need, but I really have to wonder if "Mort D. Eveloper" is really ready for that leap yet? And I've always marvelled that the Elvii and Einstein's at Microsoft could make it work as much as they have. Its a tough problem to make easy. I'm glad Microsoft is slowing down and taking the time to get it right.
When I heard that the ObjectPlaces was getting merged into WinFS, I thought "boil the Ocean." Sure, it makes sense and I'm going to love it when we get it. I just don't need it today. Indigo, howeve,r just can't get here soon enough for me. Thank goodness they're planning on downporting it to XP and Server 2003. Now if they would just hear us and get it out the door before RTM, I'd be a really happy camper.
The bottom line:If you're still living in COM, start ramping up Now. If you're .NET and you've been waiting for "later betas" don't. In 9 months or so MS is going to turn on the firehose. You can drink or you can drown.
Now, somebody, anybody, give me three good reasons that a guy like me cares about Avalon on XP. Unless it means a better IE, I just don't see the need.
Plug in, sync-up and drill down.
Matt Hawley just let me know that our venue has changed to the Campus of Illinois State University. Let's light this torch... see you there Red Birds!