14 DAY TRIAL // With over 90,000 employees, Microsoft did not have to go very far in order to find a fully-fledged PC Guy. Sean Siler is a Microsoft Program manager for IPv6 and he has taken the role of the real PC Guy. Closely resembling the character played by John Hodgman, Siler is “the star” of Microsoft's I'm a PC video advertisements designed as a response to Apple's Get a Mac ads. He is the one uttering phrases such as “I'm not a stereotype” and “I am not alone” to all those millions of PC owners worldwide.
In September 2008, Microsoft launched what it referred to as a major Windows consumer initiative. In a year not market by the release of a new Windows operating system, the Redmond company coughed up a reported $300 million for the Windows marketing campaign put together by ad agency Crispin, Porter + Bogusky. However, despite coming as a reply to the Get a Mac monologue trashing PC users and Windows Vista, the new Windows marketing campaign is by no means focused on the operating system. This because Microsoft has made it about more than just the PC, stretching Windows into the Cloud and to mobile devices.
Siler indicated that Apple attempted to make all the PCs “look alike,” actually managing to turn them into a stereotype. Along with the Redmond giant, Siler is only telling the “truth” about Windows and about the PCs.
“Did you know that 'I’m a PC' is more than just a collection of commercials? Did you know that you too can participate? It’s true. In fact, look at some of the people, just like you, who are participating today and are being shown larger than life in Times Square in New York. 'I’m a PC' is all about 'Life without Walls.' The ability to connect people to each other, to the devices they use, and to enable the experiences they want at work, at home, and at play. Are you a PC? If so, here is your opportunity to show us and to get your chance to be seen online or even in Times Square,” revealed Microsoft Senior Manager, Community Engagement US Partner Strategy, Marketing and Programs, Eric Ligman.