Why Microsoft must abandon Vista to save itself

While Vista was originally touted by Microsoft as the operating system savior we’ve all been waiting for, it has turned out to be one of the biggest blunders in technology. With a host of issues that are inexcusable and features that are taken from the Mac OS X and Linux playbook, Microsoft has once again lost sight of what we really want.

These are pretty bold words (once again from Don Reisinger) but once again, I have to say I agree with him. Vista may be perfectly fine for many users, but my gripe is that I believe Microsoft is capable of MUCH better. Never mind the competition, what about just out-performing themselves?

(Via CNET News.com)

As we’re more than aware, Vista Ultimate comes at a premium. For an additional $160 over the Premium SKU price, Ultimate gives you a complete backup and restore option, BitLocker Drive encryption, the ever so popular Windows Fax & Scan, and the “Ultimate Extras.” But what started with a promise of “Extras” by summer, quickly turned into an apology from Microsoft and the eventual release of DreamScene and Windows Hold ‘Em (among others) today. And while each of the “Extras” runs just fine, Microsoft’s “Extras” blunder is just another reason why the company must abandon Vista before it’s too late.

The first indication that Microsoft should abandon Vista is its poor sales figures. According to a recent report titled “Windows Vista Still Underperforming in U.S. Retail” from NPD, Vista sales are significantly behind XP sales during its early days. Even worse for Redmond, some are reverting to XP, citing issues with compatibility and overall design. And if that wasn’t enough, Macs continue to surge and with the impending release of Leopard, Microsoft may be in for a rough holiday season.

With each passing day, it’s becoming blatantly clear that Microsoft released Vista too early and the company’s continual mistakes and promises that can’t be kept are further annoying the Windows faithful.

The road ahead looks dangerous for Vista and Microsoft must realize that. With Mac OS X hot on its tail, Vista is simply not capable of competing at an OS level with some of the best software around. If Microsoft continues down this path, it will be Vista that will bring the software giant to its knees–not Bill Gates’ departure.

Of course, categorically dumping an operating system is quite difficult and with millions already using the OS, chances are Microsoft won’t find a good enough reason to do it. And while I can understand that argument, there’s no reason the company can’t continue to support Vista and go back to the drawing board for its next OS. Even better, go back to XP–it’s not nearly as bad as Vista.

The time is up. Microsoft must abandon Vista and move on. It’s the company’s only chance at redemption.

See original article by Don Reisinger here.