I’ve been scanning my feeds for relevant news about Microsoft Vista’s launch trying to judge how strong the initial public reaction has been.¬ I’ve been a little puzzled…it did launch didn’t it?¬ Just kidding or course, but it does seem like it’s been a fairly uninspired first day for Vista.¬ What I’ve gathered to this point is:
- there were not large crowds at the stores that stayed open till mid-night to sell Vista;
- the media events have been less of a celebration then a PR function; and
- on-line blogs and media sites are running a mixed message of yes, Vista’s got some great features but no, you shouldn’t take that step immediately.
Perhaps the online sales are strong, I haven’t hear yet?¬ What is strange is that even lower keyed then the Vista launch is the Office 2007 launch. I’ve heard almost nothing today concerning this major product upgrade.¬ Microsoft has certainly spent the money promoting this launch, but it doesn’t seem like they’re getting a good ROI.
I can personally remember the launch of Windows 95 ten years ago and this has been nothing like that.¬ Windows 95 was a public frenzy with crowds lining up for hours to get an early copy.
So is this seemingly public apathy a social problem, a product problem, an event PR problem, or a larger Microsoft problem?¬ Or is there really a problem here at all?
Follow-up, 1-31-07:
If you buy a new PC then for sure have Vista loaded on it, but if you already have a PC and want to upgrade to Vista…
Experts: Don’t upgrade to VIsta:
One thing I love about DEMO is that I get to rub elbows with some of the world’s savviest tech press.¬ All the product guys are here. Hanging out in the lobby with them yesterday, I asked the question that is on the mind of 90 percent of all computer users:“Should I upgrade my computer to VISTA?”
I received a resounding “NO!” in three-part harmony.
Technorati Tags: Microsoft, office, vista, windows