Early on, the group opted to use Windows for Courier's operating system. But it wasn't a version of Windows that any consumer would recognize. The Courier team tweaked the operating system to make sure it could perform at high levels with touch- and pen-based computing. What's more, the graphical shell of Windows--the interface that computer users associate with the operating system--was entirely removed. So while it was Windows under the hood, the home screens bore zero resemblance to the familiar PC desktop.
via news.cnet.com
Sounds like Microsoft was too afraid to do what Apple did 4 years ago: Reimagine their operating system, keeping the success of the core intact but leaving all else to the wind.
Don't hold on to sacred cows, especially cows the size of Windows.
This article is a great study in the ever-present politics at companies.
