New Data Store To Revolutionize Windows. Someday.
Microsoft plans to begin introducing a new database oriented file store in future versions of Windows - perhaps as early as next year. A consistent, unified database would replace the existing Windows file systems (FAT and NTFS), and holds out the promise of simpler searches for information. But, the proof of the pudding is in the tasting - and that may not come for many years. The company first began to consider a similar file system a decade ago, in the context of Cairo. Efforts were abandoned after they proved to complex in the face of other issues. And while the benefits - both to users and Microsoft - are significant, they'll come at a heavy price since a new file system would impact the developers of virtually every piece of software that runs on the system - including Microsoft's.

New Windows could solve age-old puzzle. special report  Microsoft is tackling the long-elusive goal of easily finding information hidden in computer files, a conquest that would deal a blow to competitors but come at a price. [CNET News.com] 

---