Microsoft has named its next consumer operating system Windows Me - short for Windows Millennium Edition, according to a company representative.

Due out sometime this year, Windows Me will be available as a retail upgrade and will be loaded on new Windows-based computers.

Millennium's convoluted development path, along with the repeated delays in bringing Windows 2000 to market, have raised questions about the Microsoft's strategy in the consumer operating system business.

Windows 2000, the company's new high-end operating system for large businesses and e-commerce Web sites, is due to be released on February 17.

More details are available at www.news.com.