Keeping within the lines of its policy that Windows pirates are Microsoft customers, Microsoft prepares a set of changes to its current anti-piracy tactics. In this context, the Redmond company informed that it would scrap its Windows Vista killer, from the operating systems anti-piracy architecture. Reduced Functionality Mode has been introduced as a critical peon in the strategy against pirated versions of Vista, but it will not survive the first service pack for the operating system. With the release of Vista SP1, Microsoft will kill its kill switch in Vista.

"Although our overall strategy remains the same, with SP1 we're adjusting the customer experience that differentiates genuine from non-genuine systems in Windows Vista and later in Windows Server. Users whose systems are identified as counterfeit will be presented with clear and recurring notices about the status of their system and how to get genuine. They won't lose access to functionality or features, but it will be very clear to them that their copy of Window Vista is not genuine and they need to take action," explained Mike, Corporate Vice President, Windows Product Marketing.

Sievert explained the company's decision as being catalyzed by feedback, coming from both users and partners. But, killing Reduced Functionality Mode will by no means diminish Microsoft's anti-piracy efforts. The company is simply shifting its strategy in preparation of the release of Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008, in the first quarter of 2008.

"As we go forward, we always want to be mindful of our customers and their experience with Windows, and operate the WGA program to be as responsive as possible to feedback we hear. At the same time, it's important that we be consistent in how the program evolves in the future. We have and will continue to base our decisions on some fundamental principles," Sievert added.