Trends Feature Microsoft. What .NET Is For now, Microsoft.
NET is more theory than fact.
The company plans to integrate such desktop functions as Web browsing, e-mail, and modeling, but it's a long road from concept to delivering the final product. Microsoft did release a beta version of a toolkit called the Visual Studio. NET, but it will take at least two years to deliver a full set of tools and products. In the meantime, IT managers must start to plan for a new model of computing without assurances that it will become as robust as Microsoft claims. NET turns the desktop into a powerful browser, and users can access editing tools, spreadsheet tools, or database tools transparently.