An Upbeat Launch for Windows 7

What a difference a debacle makes. Three years ago, Microsoft's introduction of the supposedly new, improved version of its flagship operating system was plagued by problems of every stripe. Vista, then the latest version of Windows, was years late. It was released to corporations in time for the yearend selling season but not available to consumers until January.

The software itself was riddled with glitches and incompatible with millions of printers and other electronics. What's more, Microsoft's (MSFT) $500 million ad campaign hyping the software fell flat with consumers and PC makers alike. "I didn't like the Vista launch," says Gianpiero Morbella, head of marketing for Acer.

But as Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer took the stage in New York on Oct. 22 to unveil the new Windows 7, there was more glee than grumbling. This time around, Microsoft coordinated closely with PC makers, retailers, and consumers in the runup to the launch. "They've done a very good job this time," says Morbella. The result was a relatively glitch-free introduction that features a wider array of machines at varying prices than previous Windows launches. Says Alex Gruzen, senior vice-president for the consumer products group at Dell (DELL), "the Microsoft I've been working with for the past year and a half on Windows 7 is a very different Microsoft than I've ever worked with before. The level of openness and collaboration was really new."

An Upbeat Launch for Windows 7

What a difference a debacle makes. Three years ago, Microsoft's introduction of the supposedly new, improved version of its flagship operating system was plagued by problems of every stripe. Vista, then the latest version of Windows, was years late. It was released to corporations in time for the yearend selling season but not available to consumers until January.

The software itself was riddled with glitches and incompatible with millions of printers and other electronics. What's more, Microsoft's (MSFT) $500 million ad campaign hyping the software fell flat with consumers and PC makers alike. "I didn't like the Vista launch," says Gianpiero Morbella, head of marketing for Acer.

But as Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer took the stage in New York on Oct. 22 to unveil the new Windows 7, there was more glee than grumbling. This time around, Microsoft coordinated closely with PC makers, retailers, and consumers in the runup to the launch. "They've done a very good job this time," says Morbella. The result was a relatively glitch-free introduction that features a wider array of machines at varying prices than previous Windows launches. Says Alex Gruzen, senior vice-president for the consumer products group at Dell (DELL), "the Microsoft I've been working with for the past year and a half on Windows 7 is a very different Microsoft than I've ever worked with before. The level of openness and collaboration was really new."

Windows 7 to salvage Vista 'train wreck'

"It's a big deal for Microsoft," analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley said of the Windows 7 launch. "Windows Vista was a train wreck."

While computer users may not give much thought to operating systems that serve as the brains of their machines, the programs are at the heart of Microsoft's global software empire.

Microsoft operating systems run more than 90 percent of the computers on Earth.

Importantly for Microsoft, versions of its popular programs such as Office, Outlook and Excel evolve to work better with successive Windows releases.

Winning users of new Windows systems translates into increased sales of other packaged software for the Redmond, Washington-based company.

Vista's dismal reception in the market broke Microsoft's rhythm regarding hooking people on upgraded software.

Computer users held firm to Windows XP, shunning much-maligned Vista.

"Microsoft is still a packaged software company," Enderle said. "If people don't buy their updated packages, they feel it."

Microsoft apparently learned a lesson from Vista and worked closely with computer makers, users and software developers while crafting Windows 7.

More than eight million people have dabbled with Windows 7 since Microsoft began a beta test phase in January, according to Parri Munsell, director of consumer product management for the Windows client group.

Early reviews praise Windows 7 for being everything Vista should have been.

"We always listen to our customers, but we took an even more thoughtful and pragmatic process this time around," Munsell told AFP. "We feel really good that people have been trying it for themselves."

Windows 7 features winning raves include enabling computers, televisions, radios, digital picture frames and other "smart" devices in homes to talk to each other.