Long Live Microsoft Vista - Or Not?

Here's something interesting. According to InternetNews.com, Windows 7 will be released as soon as next month. A full 2 years ahead of the scheduled 2010 release date. How can this be? Pushing a new OS out the door that fast has to mean that it's going to be riddled with bugs. But it could also mean that it's worth the stretch because Vista tanked so bad. Maybe this is what they are gearing up for by pairing Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates. I have seen 2 of those commercials so far. That campaign is reported to have cost $300 million dollars. You don't drop that kind of coin for nothing.

Windows 7 better be good. I don't think consumers can take another ME or Vista debacle. Almost everyone I know is still using XP. "It works, and it works well. Why change?" These are the comments I am constantly hearing. These are the same reasons I never went with Vista.

You know, it is kind of interesting from a marketing standpoint. I guess it's interesting from a business standpoint as well. What kind of company can put out a product that everyone hates, TWICE, and people will still stand in line to get the next version? What kind of company can weather a storm from a governmental smack-down and come back swinging? Well, I think you know the answer. The next go around will have to be pretty outstanding or we may see a sharp rise in Ubuntu, Open Office, FireFox, Thunderbird and the like.