If one thing is certain it’s I can respect a company that has been around for a very long time.  However,  for a company that has been around as long as Microsoft, you would think they would be a little brighter when it comes to pleasing the customer.  If you look at how the majority of people buy their computer products today…it’s through Microsoft.  Most people can’t afford Apple products and the economy doesn’t help that cause.  Any time though, I try to cut Microsoft some slack, they go and do a bone head move. 

If one thing is for sure, there’s no argument that Windows Vista was a terrible operating system.  I don’t think “terrible” is a strong enough word to describe it.  However, I give Microsoft credit for spotting a mistake and putting into play the new Windows 7 operating system.  They spotted a problem and fixed it.  Fine!  The creating of Windows Vista did lead to a lot of people moving over to OS X and becoming Apple users.  Micorosoft’s mistake did cost them customers.  In retrospect to that, Windows 7 has proved to satisfy those people that are using it for beta testing.  I am one of those people and I think the upgrade is fantastic!  I can’t wait for the official release!  Although, here’s where Microsoft just doesn’t get it.

I understand that you needed to put Windows 7 into play to make up for the horrid that was Windows Vista.  You think they would learn from that.  Absolutely not!  What do they do, they plan on charging more for this operating system than they did for Vista.  I can imagine them trying to make up profits lost from Vista, but this isn’t how you build a better relationship between you and your customers.  Many people who started using the Windows 7 Beta felt that the official release of Windows 7 should be free!  Now I can say that’s extreme because nothing in this world is free.  In turn, I believe it shouldn’t be as expensive as Vista was. They should be trying to get their customers to come back and show them that this new experience will rid them of Vista.  Microsoft doesn’t think this way.  Even though they are going to give a discounted upgrade for those using Vista at the moment…what about those still on XP.  XP was the only OS people felt comfortable with.  Since that was the last OS that was a solid product, Microsoft’s going to turn around and say you have to pay full price for 7!  Make it fair for everyone and rectify the mistakes you made.  Give the discount to everyone!  Microsoft…you guys made a huge mistake with Vista and now your ways of solving the problem is giving discounts to only Vista users and overall charge a higher price for the upgrade to Windows 7. 

Is Microsoft really this nieve?  I mean do they understand how to properly create and sell new innovative pieces of technology?  I’m starting to think they can create products, but have no brains when it comes to selling.  After reading an article on Lockergnome I became furious to hear the price Microsoft would be charging for this OS.  Instead of fixing past problems, they want to add more fuel to the fire!  Microsoft is a very profitable company.  Nobody can argue that, but as years have went on, their rationalization of things has become quite poor. 

I can further back up my opinion with Microsoft’s desire to be rid of the mini netbooks.  I read an article by The Next Web that talks about this.  They say they want to do away with it because they don’t want people using it as their primary computer just because it runs XP.  They are worried about loosing sales since Windows 7 will be out soon.  Not only that, but they would want to change the name netbook to some rediculous name that wouldn’t market well.  Look at the article, by The Next Web and you’ll be ticked off about it like I was!

You know, Microsoft has good ideas at times and then it seems like they want to do away with it even if it’s what the customer wants it.  They should listen to their customers because that’s where sales come from.  I don’t think they use their brains all the time and it really shows in the worst ways.  Honestly, as much as I like Windows XP due to how well it was made and secure it is, people were laughing when they saw that XP will be extended to last until April of 2011 as reported by Computer World.  To me, Microsoft doing this doesn’t give them credibility to have people believe that Windows 7 is completely ready.  They are wanting a backup it seems just in case Windows 7 has problems.  However, any OS will have problems, but nothing will be as poorly made as Vista.  They have to break away from XP is the want Windows 7 to succeed.  Otherwise, nobody will make the move over unless they are forced to.  Microsoft needs to be more sure of themselves and use their brains because they don’t seem like they really know what they are doing.

What do you think about all of this?  Does Microsoft just not get it?  Are they in the clouds?  Or is it possible that Apple makes them really nervous with all their innovative products, that they feel forced to alter their business methods?

Further Reading:

Are OS Wars Overplayed?

Microsoft Gives Away Free Software

HP Mini 1030NR Update: Please Read!

Windows 7 Beta Build 7000