14 DAY TRIAL // Softpedia readers might already be familiar with Microsoft’s “To the Cloud” marketing push which involved some rather humorous video advertisements. For those users that are yet to come across the ads mentioned above, make sure to check out this article from the first half of December 2010 (videos are embedded at the bottom).
Readers that want a tad more will be able to watch the videos below, which are advertisements from a new marketing campaign for Windows 7 and Windows Live Essentials focused on the UK audience.
Dubbed Cloud vs. Claude, the videos are designed to depict the extremely funny contrast between Windows Live Essentials in combination with Windows 7 and Claude, an average technology challenged guy.
The inherent message is also particular clear in this regard. Microsoft is telling customers to make the best out of the latest Windows client and the complementary free services designed to connect it to the Cloud, or be like Claude.
While the message isn’t spelled out for viewers, it’s inferred. Watch the videos and tell me if I’m right or not.
“To create, connect and share, you can go with Cloud. Or you can go with Claude,” Microsoft notes on the campaign’s page.
The choice is rather obvious. In fall 2010 Microsoft released Windows Live Essentials 2011, the latest suite of services and clients including Messenger, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Mail, etc.
“When you want to get stuff done, you have a choice: go with Cloud, or go with Claude. One is a remarkable network that syncs, shares and brings PC users anything, anywhere. The other is an unremarkable average guy who hasn't got a clue,” Microsoft states.
“Cloud (a powerful combination of Windows 7 and Windows Live) is the remarkable network. Among other things, it brings you Photofuse, Mesh and HD Chat – cool features that help you create, connect and share better than ever before.
“So when you have a problem, just add Cloud. Or just add Claude. Your choice (if you can call it a choice).”
The company had made it pretty clear on several occasions that while other companies might be betting on a services only approach, its Cloud strategy will always involve services plus software.