Windows 7: Major OS Release or Simply a Better Vista?
by Joseph Pesta
October 17, 2008
Amid continuing discussions about how Microsoft arrived at the new version number for its upcoming Windows 7 operating system (OS), which is expected in late 2009 or early 2010, another concern is rising. Will the new Windows 7 be a major release OS, or essentially a minor update of the current Windows Vista? With conflicting comments reportedly coming from within Microsoft itself, many have been left with the impression that the new OS is merely a Vista update, and not the promised new version of Windows many have been waiting for. At this point, just how different Windows 7 will be from Windows Vista remains to be seen, but after the beating Vista has taken since its release, Microsoft needs a big win from its next OS if it hopes to gain back any of the ground it has lost over the OS's public scorn.
Among many, the perception of Vista is that is flawed. That perception has been keeping a large number of users, including many businesses, from updating their systems to Windows Vista from the previous Windows XP. If Windows 7 is released with the perception that is somehow nothing more than an update of the current Vista, Vista's bad reputation could potentially hurt the new OS as well. That could be a damaging blow to Microsoft, which has been struggling recently with trying to change the public's perception of the company and that of PCs which run the Windows operating system. Microsoft needs Windows 7 to succeed, especially amidst the growing popularity of Apple's Mac OS and the increasing interest in the Linux platform. While it's still too early to tell if Windows 7 will be a success or failure, Microsoft should begin building public awareness of its benefits now, and try to generate the enthusiam a new Windows release used to get years ago. Not building that enthusiasm contributed to the not so friendly reception Windows Vista was greeted with. Doing it again would be a huge mistake for the company, and cause more problems for the already bruised Windows brand.
Joseph Pesta is a business and technology consultant. He owns and operates a business and technology consulting firm, based in the United States, and is the Executive Editor of In Tech Today. You can find him on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/josephrpesta, on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/josephrpesta, and visit his technology blog "Technically Me" at: www.technicallyme.com
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