According to The Register, Microsoft will be uni ting its various server data stores into one database based on the SQL Server engine. The engine will be enhanced to support the more flexible operations of the Exchange/Active Directory store, and those products will be moved over. And NTFS will be run on top of SQL Server, rather than the other way around.
This is a profound change. I think it will make life easier for users. But AFAICT it means database drivers in the kernel. This is an intimidating thought for anyone, but especially someone who wants to strip down the OS for embedded work.
Why are Microsoft doing all the cool stuff lately?
Because they're not just trying to make a better Unix, like Sun, or Linus. I'm beginning to think they have less philosophical baggage. They know their current stuff kinda blows. We're too busy hacking on drivers.
Are projects like this just too big for us?