Microsoft Windows stands as the preeminent desktop operating system globally, overseeing the daily operations of over a billion machines. While enthusiasts may debate the merits of various versions, there is a consensus on one point: Windows ME is often regarded as the least favorable iteration. Despite its ups and downs, the influence of Windows since its launch in 1985 is undeniable. Over the years, the platform has ventured into mobile territory, inspired a new generation of handheld gaming PCs, and intriguingly, skipped the numeral nine entirely in its versioning.
In the Wake of a Storied Legacy
In the wake of this storied legacy, Microsoft embarked on an ambitious research initiative known as Midori, aimed at envisioning a future beyond the Windows era. This project was groundbreaking, focusing on the internet and aspiring to decouple software from hardware, thereby introducing what would have been Microsoft’s first cloud-based operating system. The initiative was so innovative that it led to the creation of a new programming language, M# (“M sharp”), an extension of C# and Sing#, designed to enhance performance and security.
Midori transitioned from a mere concept to a tangible project within Microsoft’s Unified Operating System group in 2013. However, despite its promise, the project was ultimately discontinued in 2015. Microsoft stated that the insights gained from Midori’s development would inform future endeavors.
What Could Have Been
Midori represented a bold vision for its time, challenging developers to construct an operating system that diverged from the convoluted architecture of previous Windows versions while ensuring compatibility with existing Windows applications. This endeavor necessitated the creation of an entirely new software stack, encompassing services, compilers, core applications, and a fresh web browser. Notably, it aimed to liberate the Windows experience from traditional hard drives, placing cloud computing at the forefront of personal computing.
This initiative would have marked a significant evolution for Microsoft, which had often been characterized as a slow-moving giant, perceived as lacking the ambition to propel its operating system into new realms. Insights into Midori have emerged largely thanks to Joe Duffy, a former project member and now the founder and CEO of Pulumi, who shared details on his personal blog following the project’s cancellation. Recently, a series of videos released by the well-known Microsoft leaker WalkingCat have provided further glimpses into the Midori project, featuring a younger Joe Duffy presenting its concepts.
so its weekend again! today let’s hear a young @funcOfJoe from 2013 talk about The Midori Operating System !1, Project Overview pic.twitter.com/gpUWeaZ3oVAugust 3, 2024
Although Midori never reached the launch stage, its aspirations for cloud computing and a security-centric approach likely influenced subsequent Microsoft projects, including Azure and OneDrive. For now, Windows remains Microsoft’s primary focus for operating system development. With the end-of-life for Windows 10 on the horizon, anticipation builds for the next major release, potentially named Windows 12. Yet, details surrounding Windows 12 remain shrouded in secrecy, echoing the enigmatic legacy of the Midori project.
