"The ‘wow’ starts now"

 

Microsoft Windows Vista

Microsoft’s long-anticipated operating system upgrade hit retail store shelves today. Windows Vista has been five years in the making and according to Microsoft, it offers end users substantial improvements in security and usability. But now that the new OS is here, the big question for the marketplace is whether to adopt.

For most users, the question really isn’t if, but when. Eventually, whether they like it or not, a new computer will be bought and it will come with Vista. That market reality will drive the move from Windows XP to Vista and it has little to do with consumer choice. It’s the advantage Microsoft gains by owning 90% of the OS market.

For the entrepreneur, the story usually isn’t so simple. When it comes to selling a new innovation to them, a case has to be made. There are questions to be answered: Is it worth it? Do we need it? What problem are you solving? Do I have a problem? Can we afford to buy in? Can we afford not to?

Challenges don’t end with an innovative idea — it’s where they start. Is the innovation useful? Will the market accept it? What do we need to do to make it happen?

Recognition of an opportunity is just the beginning. Development and market testing hones the idea. Market research attempts to determine if the timing is right for an introduction. Finally the innovation is brought to the ultimate testing ground: the marketplace.

As much work as Microsoft has put into this product so far, all the R&D — it’s just out of the starting block. The real “wow” starts now.

Further reading:

• Michael Geist on Vista’s Fine Print
• Paul Thurrott’s Windows Vista Review
• Vista and Office 2007: Vision versus practicality

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