Microsoft Windows Vista Goes to Market

by Anton Shilov
01/30/2007 | 11:41 PM

After six years of development, several delays and several features cut-down, the world’s largest software developer Microsoft Corp. has finally started to sell its Windows Vista operating system (OS) to end-users. The new OS is focused on improving end-user experience with itself, however, it is so far unclear how may businesses benefit from <%BANNER[article]%>Vista.

“Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 will transform the way people work and play. Personal computers have become a key part of the daily lives of almost a billion people worldwide. Millions of consumers had a hand in helping us design, test and create the most exciting versions of Windows and Office we’ve ever released. Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 squarely address the needs and aspirations of people around the globe,” said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft.

“The Most Amazing Versions of Windows and Office Ever”

The most notable enhancements of the Windows Vista and the latest release of Microsoft Office are related to graphics user interface that make the desktop more visually exciting and, according to Microsoft, easier to use. In addition, the company promises that the new OS provides better features for entertainment, including video games, television, music, photos, communications and so on. In addition, Microsoft promises that its Instant Search tool will improve user’s ability to search for information everywhere on his or her PC.

Additionally, Microsoft said that Vista provides better security mechanisms of any kind: from parental controls of their children activities to protecting consumers against attacks from spyware and malicious web-sites, while other enhancements help safeguard personal information.

“These are the most amazing versions of Windows and Office ever,” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. “The visual effects are spectacular; the navigation is streamlined and intuitive. They make it much easier to protect your PC, yourself and your children online. And they work together to help you accomplish more throughout the day.”

“The Next Generation of Computing”

The consumer launch of Windows Vista is also expected to unleash a flood of new next-generation hardware, software and entertainment devices and services. Currently, more than 1.5 million devices and peripherals are on the market that work with Windows Vista, including more than 2500 that carry “Certified for Windows Vista” logo. In addition, Vista will allow to take advantage of new-generation hardware, such as flash caches on hard drives that speed-up loading of OS (ReadyBoost technology), auxiliary displays on mobile devices, new-generation DirectX 10-supporting graphics cards and so on.

“We designed Windows Vista and Office 2007 as springboards for our partners, for realizing the next generation of computing, for a whole new wave of innovation in devices and software that offer better graphics, better connectivity and communications, and a more productive, more enjoyable experience all around,” Mr. Ballmer said.