Gartner has built up somewhat of a tradition to criticize Microsoft, and Brian Gammage, Research VP makes no exception to the rule. Following previous evaluations related to the much anticipated release date of Windows Vista, Gammage admits that Gartner had little faith in Microsoft's deadline, and that, in consequence it was wrong of dismissing the January launch of the OS, as Microsoft's progress. "Given the patchy nature of the Beta releases we saw earlier this year, this is a noteworthy achievement, and it says much about the company's determination to meet the deadline it set for itself in March," comments Gammage.

Gartner's position on Vista's January launch is that Microsoft is exercising lack of wisdom and responsibility toward the consumers. The Redmond Company's action will impact the PC industry as demand for Vista capable machines will gear from the holiday season to January and February. "Even if Microsoft supports a coupon upgrade for holiday season buyers in an attempt to alleviate this, OEMs will bear much of the cost of distributing the new OS to consumers and handling the support calls that follow when they install Vista," added Gammage.

Gartner means no less than to persuade Microsoft to further push back Windows Vista's release. "So, although we salute Microsoft's dogged determination, we believe it is demonstrating scant regard for the PC ecosystem on which it depends. With OEM sales of Windows accounting for the majority of its $13 billion Client BU revenue and PC OEMs enduring tough market conditions, this is a decision that Microsoft may come to regret in the years ahead. The average operating margin for PC OEMs continues to be less than 2%, and any revenue shortfall risks triggering further market consolidation,"