Slowly and surely as we cross the line into 2009 we are working our way towards the release of the next version of Windows. Word has it we will see a public beta release in January; probably around the time of the CES show; but Microsoft is still sticking to the 2010 timetable for the release of the finished product. Myself and a number of other Microsoft watchers – like Mary Jo Foley – believe otherwise and totally expect to see the RTM release before the end of 2009.
As usual though with any Microsoft release of Windows folks are picking sides. Of course we have the Macheads already predicting that it will never be as good as what apple will be releasing for the Mac – no surprises there. Along with that though even the Microsofties in the crowd are already slamming Windows 7 – although I think Jason is blowing more hot air than anything else since much of what he says has been countered by Ed Bott.
However MG Siegler on his ParisLemon blog said something as a part of his prognostications for 2009 that caught my eye
14. Windows 7 comes out at the end of the year and is better than Vista, but fails to dazzle
It will be launched towards the end of the year, will look just like Vista, but will perform better. Still, that won’t be enough for most people and the overall reception, while better, will be lukewarm at best.
While an interesting viewpoint, I think MG is missing a major point that Windows 7 is meant to address and it has nothing to do with dazzling people – if anything it is the exact opposite.
Granted they have to keep up some improvements with the user interface but more importantly; and this is why Sinosky was handed control of the Windows division, they need to prove deliverability. They need to prove that once again they can bring a stable and well supported operating system to the marketplace. Not just the consumer market but more importantly the corporate one. They screwed up badly with Vista and they knew that in the unforgiving corporate world there are no three strikes.
There is no razzle dazzle needed to prove this. This is why Steven Sinosky has brought the same management mentality to the Windows division that he used to keep the Office division as tight and focused as it was. Sure Windows is going to see some new ideas as far as the way data is handled; among other things, but like the RibbonUI that was introduced in the newest release of Office it isn’t eye candy for dazzle sake.
Everything I have been reading so far has even the current beta release as one of the most stable releases yet of a Windows operating system with it running on laptops and desktops of varying configurations. One of the markets that the OS is also being said to target is the new netbooks that are becoming popular – something that Vista couldn’t even think of doing.
No this release of Windows isn’t about dazzling anyone – it’s all about proving that Windows can deliver on time and with a rock solid product. Personally I’d prefer that over any razzle dazzle anytime.
[graphic courtesy of LOLcats]
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