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25 May 2006
Microsoft is hoping that enterprises which are not looking to upgrade or replace their PCs when Windows Vista comes out will still upgrade to the core version of the operating system.
The software vendor unveiled the specifications for its Vista Capable and Vista Premium Ready programmes last week.
The labels inform buyers that they are purchasing a system that will be able to handle the core and premium versions of the application.
The premium version features the new Aero user interface that offers advanced graphics such as semi-transparent windows and 3D application switching. The feature requires additional memory and a more advanced graphics card than the basic version.
Microsoft executives typically list the Aero user interface as one of Vista's most important features, next to the improved security. The operating system also offers enhanced search and management capabilities.
Redmond has not yet set pricing on the operating system and was unable to comment about the price difference between the two editions.
Most of today's PCs are capable of running the basic Vista, but would require a hardware upgrade to run the premium version. About half of all new systems sold today qualify for the Vista Premium logo.
Enterprises, however, may not be attracted by the advanced graphics capabilities if they require additional hardware investments.
"Vista is an important product for our entire customer set, delivering enterprise and consumer value," Windows product manager Michael Burk told vnunet.com in an interview.
"But businesses may not necessarily choose to run Aero. The basic version may be enough for them.
"The vast majority of PCs shipping today are Vista-capable. If [enterprises] are not going through a hardware refresh, they may still choose to upgrade and not get Aero."
Burk added that Windows Vista Premium is pushing the envelope more so than with previous operating systems, necessitating the more advanced hardware requirements.
Microsoft has said in the past that Vista will form the foundation of Windows versions for the next 10 years.
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Mircosoft!!!!!!!!
I have mixed feelings about this new "Standard" operating system. Specifically, I don't want to upgrade for about two years, but I am scard Microsoft will try to push it's former products out of the market (not that I'll miss XP), and replace it with the newest greatest (and most expensive) thing. I liken this release to the Xbox 360 release two tiers 1) The operable, trendy deluxe, or the wimpy, barebones cheepo.The 360 cheepo, what a ripoff, you get the system minus the hard drive that it's self is worth the difference. I remember the poor suckers who bought this, they wound up buying A) another controller, B)a harddrive, and of course XBOX live. This net them a total well above the deluxe! In the end, I don't want the wimp. If I'm going to spend on a new OS, I want it to do something! If it has half the improvements, then why bother. Sure it works on my system, but I'm going to have to get the better one eventually. If the basic version is anything like the 360 basic, there is no need for it, but idiots will buy it.
Posted by: A concerned citizen 26 May 2006
Why don't they???
Why don't they actually get the huge blob of convoluted bug-ridden code out the door before they start talking of all of the different versions? As of now there is one version and is is known by another name... Vapor-ware.
Posted by: Melangell 26 May 2006