Should Microsoft offer just one version of Windows 7, rather than six?
Windows 7 is now just five months away from release, with Oct. 22 being confirmed as the date of its debut. I say “it” but maybe I should say “they” instead, as there will be six different versions of the new OS released. Are these different flavors really necessary or do they just confuse and pollute the Windows experience?
Jason Hiner recently wrote an open letter to Microsoft on ZDNet on this very subject. And I’m totally in agreement with his arguments against the multiple versions on the way and why it would be in Microsoft’s interests to instead focus on one, and only one, version suitable for everyone.
Microsoft threw out the simplification and standardization it had begun with Windows XP when it released Vista in four flavors (now six thanks to Enterprise and Starter editions). Unfortunately, Microsoft is carrying on that trend with Windows 7, despite 7 being almost Vista Lite, supposedly stripped of all the bloat and bugs.
So Oct. 22 will see Windows 7 released with the following six versions: Starter Edition, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. At least four of which, and maybe even five, could be argued as being completely unnecessary.
Hiner argues Microsoft should forget the rest and focus on Home Premium, which would be good for the company, businesses, and general-use consumers. He accepts that the additional functions some businesses need may have to be made available, but why not do this as a separate product?
His most valid point, for me, is that the line between home and work is becoming increasingly blurred, with more people working at home than ever before. Why force a differentiation between versions of Windows 7 when one edition would fit the needs of the vast majority of computer users?
Windows 7 is already likely to be a huge success, mainly due to the sheer numbers of people who have so far stuck with XP to avoid Vista, and the Vista users who cannot wait to upgrade. But a single version, released at a reasonable price, could see Microsoft not only experience incredible sales but also a huge boost in the PR department. But we all know it’ll never happen.
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June 15th, 2009
Looking at the list of ‘editions’ I see three editions that in my opinion just look like third wheels…
Home Basic, Enterprise, and Ultimate.
There should be three versions, in order of price and features;
1. Core: Just the OS, for Netbooks and the like. Trimmed down on aero and the like.
2. Home: The OS, with extra ‘home’ programs; media player, photo gallery, messenger, aero etc.
3. Professional: The OS, with extra ‘Pro’ features; such as additional remote networking, Exchange support etc.
Home features such as photo gallery, messenger etc should be optional on install but not enabled by default.
In this way, Professional becomes ‘Ultimate’ and ‘Professional’ in one. XP did it, why can’t Windows 7?
As for enterprise; why not just make it Windows 7 Professional single licence- and give the Company the option to ‘buy’ more licenses on install?
Core, is Starter Edition and Home Basic in One… Seriously, how many consumers are going to know the difference between Starter and Home Basic?
Home is Home Premium and Home Basic… On Install features such as Aero will be enabled/disabled depending on the hardware (the main noticable difference between the two OS variants).
Its all about giving the consumer custom install options rather than a confusing array of products.
As for offering just ‘one’ version… This is Microsoft we’re talking about not Apple- I think if Microsoft were to try and create just one ‘complete’ install version- it would be one bloated OS.
Apple are smart in giving lots of features, but without weighing down the core of the OS.
The three tier approach would work best for MS.
June 15th, 2009
You are indeed a sleeping journalist….Microsoft has already announced that Only Home Premium and Professional will be available in retails….
Ultimate on special offers….only