Microsoft's Windows XP logo program includes several level of compatibility for software applications, hardware systems and accessory hardware devices. The "Designed for Windows XP" status achieved by Manifold requires a high level of Windows XP engineering compared to the ordinary "Compatible with Windows XP" status ordinarily achieved by applications.

"We have been working with Windows XP since the earliest beta versions were created by Microsoft and we knew we wanted Release 5.00 to be able to take advantage of Windows XP. We therefore included substantial engineering within 5.00 that provides not only perfect compatibility but also a perfect match to the look and feel of XP," said, Dimitri Rotow, Product Manager for Release 5.00.

When installed in Windows XP, Manifold System Release 5.00 automatically configures the "look and feel" of Manifold to match Windows XP. This is accomplished by including within 5.00 an XP specific manifest for all controls and dialogs (thousands of items) used within the product.

Applications meeting Microsoft's "Designed for Windows XP" criteria must meet key requirements that assure the software will run correctly on Windows XP and support the new XP look and feel. Requirements include:

• Support for fast user switching between users;
• Support for new visual styles;
• Performance of primary functionality within XP and maintain stability;
• All kernel-mode drivers that the application installs must pass verification on Windows XP;
• Applications must perform Windows / Windows XP version checking properly;
• Applications must not attempt to replace files that are protected by Windows File Protection;
• Applications must not require a reboot unnecessarily.

Applications that do not qualify for "Designed for Windows XP" status but which merely are "Compatible with Windows XP" are not required to fulfill the above criteria. All they need do is function the way they might in earlier Windows systems, even if their controls and dialogs do not conform to Windows XP style.

"We think it's critical to support all aspects of Windows XP style. Users are purchasing the products to get the benefits of the new user interface as well as other benefits. It would be ridiculous for users to install XP and then have to look at their GIS using an obsolete style from Windows 3.x or Windows 95. Manifold is the first GIS to fully implement the new visual style of Windows XP," said Rotow.

Manifold not only supports the new XP visual styles, it can also autoswitch between the new style and classic style as desired if XP is set to a classic style.

In addition to the external characteristics required by Microsoft's "Designed for Windows XP" logo program, Manifold also incorporates internal code to take advantage of new system calls available with XP. The new code provides for enhanced performance, better user interfaces and faster implementation of features such as layer transparency and image management.

Journalists wishing a review package of Manifold System to run on XP or desiring screen shots should contact Dimitri Rotow at dar@manifold.net or 800-556-5919 [Pacific Time Zone].