Microsoft continues to generate record profits. But the mood about Windows Vista remains mixed at best, especially among hardware and software partners. The VAR Guy was surprised to read a surprisingly honest assessment of the situation from Hauppauge Digital Inc., maker of WinTV technology.
In a statement about quarterly results, Hauppauge CEO Ken Plotkin said, “consumers have been slow to upgrade existing PCs to Windows Vista,” according to Newsday, Long Island’s local paper.
Hmmm. That’s not exactly news to The VAR Guy and the rest of the world. But, it’s rare for a small Microsoft partner to speak so openly and honestly about the situation–especially since Vista is still so new. You can bet Bill Gates has placed Hauppauge Digital on Double Secret Probation for such honesty.
Overall, it’s difficult to say how well Vista is doing. Yes, Microsoft has sold more than 20 million Vista licenses. But how many customers actually requested the operating system? And how many more would send it back to Redmond, if only they knew how? Based on all the negative Vista buzz, Apple is actually suggesting that the Vista party is over before it starts.
In reality, PC vendors are selling boatloads of Vista systems to consumers. But perhaps not as many as expected. How else can you explain Dell’s decision to re-introduce Windows XP on some systems while at the same time launching consumer PCs with Ubuntu Linux preinstalled.
If only the rest of the IT industry could be as honest about the situation as Hauppauge Digital.
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Of course Vista sells well. If I had the QWERTYZ operating system being sold exclusively on all new computers, that’d sell darn well, too.
The point is that people like me resent having to wait 6 years for an upgrade to XP that could have been put in a short download update. The Dell decision gives some respite from Vista, but I’m not enthralled by the models they chose.
Hooray for Ken Plotkin !
[...] existing PCs to Windows Vista.” What’s news is that a staunch Microsoft partner is SAYING IT OFFICIALLY. Hauppauge makes [...]
[...] existing PCs to Windows Vista.” What’s news is that a staunch Microsoft partner is SAYING IT OFFICIALLY. Hauppauge makes [...]
Those ‘profits’ that you speak about comes from the investors, not from sales.
Microsoft’s Record Quarter: Shareholders Paid for Most of the Upside Surprise
http://biz.yahoo.com/seekingalpha/070503/34354_id.html?.v=1
“Said another way, Microsoft achieved record breaking earnings during
the Vista launch quarter by taking money out of its assets, not
through amazing sales of Vista and Office.”
Now taking money of its savings account isn’t necessarily a big deal.
… However, as a point in contrast, Apple Inc. has been launching a
lot of products over the last nine months and has added almost $2
billion to its balance sheet and assets in the same period that
Microsoft’s assets dropped $6 billion.
“And how many more would send it back to Redmond, if only they knew how?”
…!!
You’re telling me I can get my money back for that POS OS?!
How? Tell me how!
[...] partner calls out Microsoft on Vista sales Microsoft Partner Points to Soft Vista Demand Published Friday, May 11, 2007 3:30 PM by rodtrent Filed under: Windows, Industry [...]
how do I go back with xp???? without having to buy again.
[...] existing PCs to Windows Vista.” What’s news is that a staunch Microsoft partner is SAYING IT OFFICIALLY. Hauppauge makes [...]
[...] existing PCs to Windows Vista.” What’s news is that a staunch Microsoft partner is SAYING IT OFFICIALLY. Hauppauge makes [...]
[...] existing PCs to Windows Vista.” What’s news is that a staunch Microsoft partner is SAYING IT OFFICIALLY. Hauppauge makes [...]
[...] existing PCs to Windows Vista.” What’s news is that a staunch Microsoft partner is SAYING IT OFFICIALLY. Hauppauge makes [...]