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My Take on Windows 7

Last Thursday, Steve Ballmer was in New York announcing the availability of Windows 7. Meanwhile, I was clear across the country, in Redmond, meeting with Microsoft executives on another matter.

Before I give my take on Windows 7, I have to comment on the very notion of a product launch. For an important product, Microsoft starts by leaking details literally years before it ships. As it moves along, the company announces the various alpha and beta versions. By the time the product formally ships, hundreds of thousands are already using it.

So what's the point of launching a product that's already been launched? Publicity! Only Microsoft has the clout to make such an approach work.

While I'm usually against this hype-factory launch strategy, it's justified for Windows 7. After using 7 for the last few months, I'm not blown away by the features -- but that's not the point. The real revolution is in its stability and enhanced security. This combined with some nice interface tweaks give Microsoft an OS that stands up well to the Mac, saves IT time and headaches, and is fun to boot!

Is Windows 7 all it's cracked up to be? Answers welcome at [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on October 26, 2009


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