Bekker's Blog

Blog archive

Ballmer's Windows Promise

There will never be another delay between Windows versions like the one between Windows XP and Windows Vista, Steve Ballmer promised partners today at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference.

"We will never have a gap in Windows releases as long as the one we had between Windows Vista and XP. Count on it," Ballmer said. Microsoft's CEO said he could go into all the factors that led to the delay but wouldn't. Then he reiterated his "count on it" pledge for no more five-year-and-counting gaps between OS releases. As for timing, Ballmer's comments meshed with Microsoft's most recent dates – "turn of the year" – for both Vista and Office 2007. Meanwhile, Ballmer also vowed a massive consumer launch of Windows Vista and argued that the consumer launch will reinforce the business launch.

"If we have a strong consumer launch, it creates the air cover where people are coming in and saying, 'I want this stuff at work.'"

Posted by Scott Bekker on July 11, 2006


Featured

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.

  • Roadblocks in Enterprise AI: Data and Skills Shortfalls Could Cost Millions

    Businesses risk losing up to $87 million a year if they fail to catch up with AI innovation, according to the Couchbase FY 2026 CIO AI Survey released this month.

  • Microsoft Cuts Windows 11 Recovery Time with New Update

    Microsoft has introduced two key enhancements to Windows 11 aimed at minimizing downtime and streamlining error resolution.

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.