14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft couldn't be happier with the information it has provided as part of the Windows Vista Capable logo program. This statement comes from Microsoft's Brad Smith, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on a visit in Japan. With this statement, Smith revealed Microsoft's position to the class action lawsuit filed against it because of the Windows Vista Capable logo initiative. Smith commented that Microsoft could not have done a better job at describing to customers the relation between a capable computer and Windows Vista.
"I actually don't think there have been a lot of problems that consumers have encountered although I think there are a few lawyers and law firms that have pursued an action that are presenting such a picture. ... I actually feel good about the information that we provided," Smith explained.
Microsoft was accused of deceptive marketing practices with the Vista Capable initiative because it allegedly failed to clearly state that the machines labeled as such were designed to run only the Home Basic edition of the operating system.
One aspect that was overlooked when it comes to the Vista Capable program is the fact that the logos also feature the inscription "designed for Windows XP." Although this is the case, and despite the fact that Microsoft also offered the Windows Vista Premium Ready initiative, some customers considered they were deceived when they purchased computers that could only run Windows Vista Home Basic.
"Most of the PCs are able to run the kinds of versions like our home premium version that have virtually all of the bells and whistles ... Even the machines that are not able to run something like Home Premium are able to run a version that provides many if not most of the major advances that are important to consumers," Smith added.