Windows 7: “Vista but Better” is the description given by Steve Ballmer at the Gartner Symposium.
While he still stands by Vista-pointing out that it’s adoption rate at the 2 year mark is twice that of XP-he also said Microsoft are prepared for people to skip it and go straight to Windows 7.
Choice quotes from Ballmer include:
“Our next release of Windows will be compatible with Vista. The key is let’s get on with it. We’ll be ready when you want to deploy Windows 7.”
“It’s not (a) minor (release) because it’s a lot more work than a minor release. It’s a major release.”
“It’s clear Yahoo didn’t want to sell. They probably still think it’s worth more than $33 a share. I still think it makes sense for their shareholders and ours.”
More can be found over at ZDNet.
Microsoft are in a tricky position with Vista & Windows 7 really…no matter what they do, they’ll be accused of eithe rgiving up on Vista and “admitting” it’s not brilliant OR flogging a dead horse. Very close to the original Catch 22..
Personally I think Vista is a great OS. I use Vista @ home and XP @ work (I know!) and Vista wins hands down each time..it’s easier, faster, slicker, more user friendly but some people just don’t go for it. Certainly not friends but I’d guess that one day Vista & Betamax will be casual acquaintances in the “Why didn’t they like me” bar in Techsville, TW..
Cloudy with a chance of Licensing 