Microsoft readies Windows-Unix software

Microsoft took a step toward building interoperability between Windows 2000 and Unix systems on Monday with the release to manufacturing of Interix 2.2.

The release is the result of Microsoft's purchase last year of Softway Systems, which first built the Windows-Unix compatibility software. Interix allows users to port Unix applications to Windows NT with a set of some 300 tools, scripts, and utilities.

Microsoft officials said Interix 2.2 will give Unix users and system administrators a familiar environment with which to work in Windows 2000, but keep the "look and feel" of Unix applications.

Also included is a software development kit that administrators can use to migrate Unix applications to Interix. Once there, their performance will not suffer because Interix is a native subsystem to Windows, Microsoft said.

Interix 2.2, which also supports Windows NT 4.0 Workstation and Server, will carry a retail price tag of $US99.95. Licensed users can get a free upgrade, beginning from March 1, at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/sfu.