I will NOT upgrade to Vista

Apr 5, 2007 09:09 GMT  ·  By

Windows Vista did little to contribute to the expiration of Windows XP. Microsoft did even less. While the Redmond Company has a choice between killing XP in order to breath life into Windows Vista, that option was not accessed. And the Vista market performance was left to pay for the failed XP gambit.

"I will not upgrade to Windows Vista" is the answer provided by over 67% of computer users questioned by Harris Interactive as part of a March 2007 consumer survey focused on Microsoft's latest Windows platform. The Windows Vista poll put together by Harris Interactive revealed that while consumer awareness of Windows Vista is at an all time high, users are less convinced to upgrade.

"In December 2006, 20 percent of those online adults who are aware [of Windows Vista] said they intended to upgrade to Vista within the coming year. The current survey results say that number has not really changed -- 12 percent of online adults who are aware [of Vista] say they intended to upgrade," informed Harris Interactive.

In March 2007, a total of 87% of users were aware of the launching of Windows Vista. Microsoft's $500 million Wow marketing campaign paid off in this aspect, and Vista has become ubiquitous. Well, only the knowledge of Windows Vista is generalized, because while 14% of users knew few details about the operating system, and 73% knew a lot of information, only 12% of the users surveyed intend to perform an upgrade with another 67% stating that they will go on using their current operating system and with 20% undecided. And in this regard, the half a billion Wow campaign has failed miserably.

"In order to generate that 'WOW' factor, Microsoft will have to put forth a value proposition that will move the majority to the upgrade category in the years ahead. Vista promised better performance, reliability, security, and a revolutionary user interface - but it appears consumers looking to upgrade are not ready to buy into the promise whereas new computer buyers will want the latest and greatest. Microsoft has faced this challenge before with operating system upgrades. Consumers tend to wait until a few service packs have been released to fix real or perceived problems. No doubt, Microsoft understands these issues and will proceed accordingly," commented Milton Ellis, Vice President of Harris Interactive's Technology Group.