Whenever a new product is launched, a positive reception is preferred. Instead, two newspaper reports were not kind. After five years since the Windows XP launch, Vista was released to businesses today. The Associated Press article included:
Acknowledging Windows Vista's delays, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer kicked off a demonstration of the software by saying "it's an exciting thing to finally be here" and adding: "This is the biggest launch in our company's history, that's for sure."
My recollection is that the Microsoft 95 launch was a significantly more exciting event. People lined up at midnight to purchase the first copies. I attended a remote telecast of the ceremonies. I got a tee shirt and other gifts. I was excited to be a part of the event and load the new operating system.
Office 2007 was released today and the published quote from a target buyer included:
Just about the only Office program Rodriguez still uses is PowerPoint for presentations.
"To me, Office 2007 is a complete non-event. I have no interest in an upgrade," he said. "Most of what I like about computing now lives online."
Here is a portion of the Chicago Sun Times' Zune article
"Avoid," is my general message. The Zune is a square wheel, a product that's so absurd and so obviously immune to success that it evokes something akin to a sense of pity.
Wow. These are such harsh comments, that one would expect some heads to roll at Microsoft. However, I predict that this will not happen.
A few decades ago, there was cautionary advice "Do not buy anything from Microsoft until it makes it to Version 3." Although it started as a joke, the wealth that Microsoft has accumulated speaks to a characteristic of their company. They always take longer than expected to finish products. Even by Version 3, the products are not outstanding. By such metrics as percent market share and revenue, their products have been a success.
The caution is, do not try this approach at your company. Microsoft has deeper pockets than just about anyone. They have been the entrenched standard in business and homes. They can afford to be patient.
The good new for the rest of us is that we have the opportunity to innovate and delight potential customers.
