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Microsoft on Monday posted the first test version of a new Windows file system well ahead of its expected debut.

The company made the test version of the file system, called WinFS, available to subscribers to its Microsoft Developer Network service. The test release was unexpected. Microsoft has repeatedly said that the WinFS code wouldn't debut until sometime next year.

The software was originally intended as a key feature of Vista (developed under the code name Longhorn), the next release of the operating system expected next year.

However, roughly a year ago, Microsoft announced that it was removing WinFS from Vista and would release it separately to meet its delivery schedule for Longhorn.

Microsoft says WinFS will make it easier to find information stored on both local PCs and across networks.

"WinFS bridges the gap between file systems and databases and provides a unified, rich programming platform for all data: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured," according to information posted to MSDN on Monday.
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Source: News.com