14 DAY TRIAL // Compatibility is one of the key aspects of the success of Windows Vista. The operating system is nothing without the support from the ecosystem of software and hardware products built around the Windows platform. And due to the architectural changes introduced in Vista in comparison to Windows XP, compatibility became one of the most stringent issues that Microsoft had to solve for the Wow experience.
The Redmond Company made available on top of the efforts for added compatibility, a set of videos applauding its Certified for Windows Vista logo program. Designed to guarantee a high level of compatibility, Microsoft's Certified for Windows Vista logo program extends to both software and hardware products, and it serves as an indication of seamless integration with the operating system. Ben Reed, Microsoft Program Manager in the Windows Business Group has authored the video embedded at the bottom showcasing Windows Vista certified software.
Microsoft has set up the Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List, created to specifically point out to users the devices either Certified for Windows Vista or that simply Work with Windows Vista. The list covers hardware for both 32-bit and 64-bit Vista and a variety of products from components to wireless network cards and removable storage. All the devices respect Microsoft's standards of compatibility, reliability, and security for integration with Vista.
In addition to the hardware list, Microsoft also offers Application List: Certified for Windows Vista and Application List: Works with Windows Vista focusing this time on software solutions. "We have been talking about the Certified for Windows Vista Logo Program specifically related to devices. That's only half the story. In this video I talk about Certified for Windows Vista software from a security, reliability, performance and compatibility perspective. The video shows how easy and seamless it is to install a Certified for Windows Vista software application. To demonstrate that, I have chosen CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 to be installed on an HP Pavilion dv9000z," Reed revealed.
At the beginning of May 2007, Microsoft touted the fact that over 1.9 million devices were fully compatible with Windows Vista.