After many reports were floating around that Microsoft only sold 244 copies of Vista in China, it is saying “not so fast.” It is now being reported by the propaganda machine in Redmond that Vista has sold many more than 244 copies and the sales figures for Vista in China and the globe are “pleasing.” As reported by MacNN.

Then Microsoft, if it is so pleasing why isn’t there any exact figures to go on or is it going to be one of these “yay we sold 20 million copies of Vista” again. That’s not what I want. The entire IT community wants exact figures; sales are irrelevant if it is unknown how many people are actually using the product.

When asked for exact figures a spokesperson for Microsoft had this to say “Recent speculation regarding sales data in China is inaccurate.” I can accept that, inaccurate things pop up on the internet every day. Instead of just saying the figures are not accurate, why doesn’t Microsoft give us some solid figures so we can correct our blasphemous and errorous ways.

The same propaganda aide spokesperson for Microsoft couldn’t leave well enough alone and added the following, “We’re pleased with the positive consumer response we’ve seen around the globe to the security and usability enhancements in Windows Vista and China is no exception.” Microsoft might be able to get a newborn baby to believe that, but anyone over five years old should know better.

I say the figures of 244 are right with the give or take a few rule. It is doubtful Microsoft will have exact figures for us and if they do, those will be twisted to look good on paper. Until we do have those numbers, I say keep using 244 because it’s damn funny.

Having said that, I do like Vista but it is just too easy to make fun of Microsoft. Remember, eventually each and every one of you (for all intents and purposes) WILL be using Vista so take the interim to get used to the idea.

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Related:

Microsoft cuts price of Vista in China

Vista does not go over well in China, blame the pirates

Citigroup upgrades to Vista, federal agencies to follow says Ballmer

Windows Vista on Lenovo PCs to support 2008 Olympics

Microsoft claims 100 million copies of Vista sold

Entry was posted on Tuesday, April 24th, 2007 at 11:44 am under Microsoft, Vista.  Print This Post

Read more entries by Jonathan Schlaffer.