Wondering why Microsoft is rushing to repackage that Windows Vista Service Pack they call “Windows 7” and shove it out to door?
Gavin Clarke explains for The Register, “Legacy versions of Windows continue to dominate enterprise computing, with Windows Vista having moved very little in the last half year.
“Just over two years since Microsoft launched Windows Vista, fewer than 10% of PCs in the enterprise are running the successor to the company’s eight-year-old Windows XP,” Clarke reports. “That compares to last July when Forrester reportedly said Windows Vista adoption was at 8.8% and Windows XP was at 87.1%. In that report, Forrester said Windows Vista was like ‘New Coke,’ which was killed by its corporate parent because nobody like it.”
“Clearly, little has changed since then, with the analyst shifting its emphasis to say Windows Vista is powering ‘just fewer than 10% of all PCs within enterprises,'” Clarke reports.
“Forrester has also stuck with the official party line from Microsoft that Windows Vista’s successor – Windows 7 – is not slated for release until 2010. This, Forrester indicates, should provide enough room for continued adoption of Windows Vista,” Clarke reports. “But word on the street – and an analysis of the Windows 7 development cycle – indicates Windows 7 will be with us in 2009, meaning enterprises have even less reason to adopt Windows Vista.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Will Microsoft be able to fool the Windows sufferers yet again? Will smearing the Vista pig with lipstick and cramming it into new “Windows 7” packaging really work? Chances are good; after all, the dwindling numbers of sufferers do continue to attempt to use Windows PCs while clamoring for an eight-year-old OS even with Macs readily available.
MacDailyNews Note: According to Engadget, the following will be the actual versions for Microsoft’s Windows Vista SP3, er… Mac OS X Wannabe, er… “Windows 7” (Microsoft has not yet announced fleecing charges):
• “Windows 7” Starter (limited to three apps concurrently)
• “Windows 7” Home Basic (for emerging markets)
• “Windows 7” Home Premium (adds Aero, Touch, Media Center)
• “Windows 7” Professional (Remote Desktop host, Mobility Center, Presentation mode)
• “Windows 7” Enterprise (volume license only, boot from virtual drive, BitLocker)
• “Windows 7” Ultimate (limited availability, includes everything)
Microsoft never learns.
