Business intelligence is a high priority at Microsoft. "We're working hard to make sure you get a consolidated BI solution," Markezich said. During the next 18 months, an end-to-end solution will be offered for business intelligence," he said.

Microsoft demonstrated the Application Compatability Manager tool that works with Vista. The tool allows for collection of data about machines on a network. Executables can be examined and patches can be deployed. Impact analysis also is a feature.

A Reliability Monitor capability planned for use with Vista, meanwhile, tracks driver installs and system crashes.

An Exchange management shell planned for Exchange Server 2007 allows for deployment of scripts for functions such as importing users from a text file. Protection against phishing is being offered for Office 2007 and Vista.

Additionally, Microsoft plans to have a SIP-based phone available from an original equipment manufacturer next year.