Microsoft’s Windows Vista looks set to be more rapidly
adopted than any previous version of the operating system,
according to industry analysts.
David Mitchell, software practice leader at analyst firm Ovum,
said he expected “a relatively quick” initial adoption pattern for
Vista, which is set to be released to corporate users at the end of
this month.
“Within 12 months of the consumer launch of Windows Vista we
would anticipate 12%-15% penetration of Windows Vista in the
desktop market.”
He added, “If the actual adoption rate is close to the top end
of Ovum forecasts then Windows Vista will be more rapidly adopted
than any previous Windows operating system.”
But he cautioned against expecting a more dramatic adoption
rate, noting, “The Windows Vista value proposition still needs
clarity and polish.” Microsoft would need to convince users in
different economic circumstances and varying professional
disciplines of the new operating system’s advantages.
Mitchell added that the five-year interval between the release
of Windows XP and Vista was “too long and undermines the
feasibility of programmes such as Microsoft's Software
Assurance”.
This length of time between releases offered Microsoft’s
competitors “a stick to beat them with - and a large one at
that”.
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