Steve Ballmer says one thing. And Microsoft appears to refute it in its next public statement. It leads to confusion and Microsoft customers are left wondering. Jared Proudfoot from the Microsoft lifecycle group attempts a clarification:

“…Windows XP will remain in what Microsoft calls “mainstream support” to April 14, 2009, and continue in “extended support” though April 8, 2014, said Proudfoot. The former delivers free fixes — for both security patches and other bug fixes — to everyone. During the latter, all users receive security updates, but non-security hotfixes are given only to companies who have signed support contracts with Microsoft.”

link: Microsoft: June 30 not end of Windows XP support

The obvious question is ‘why not make the non-security hotfixes universally available?’. That certainly would be the most customer friendly approach. If the concern is that everything must be done to nudge customers to Vista or the ‘next latest and greatest’ operating system, then let the quality of the product lead the way.

It may seem a bit ‘old fashioned’ to think that quality is profitable but it seems to work. It always has.

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster

It seems that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has Google very much on his mind. He is focused on Google and making it well known:

“…”So it may be my last breath at Microsoft, but we’re going to be there, working away, building share,” said Ballmer during a jovial question-and-answer session with Guy Kawasaki, a venture capitalist and one of the first employees at Apple Inc.”

link: Microsoft CEO says catching Google is goal

Mr Ballmer presents Microsoft as “the little engine that could.” When did Microsoft become the underdog? Perhaps Mr Ballmer needs to step away from the executive offices for some realistic feedback. Mr Ballmer may find that the key to catching Google is not bombast. It is really quite simple - and most people who sit at a keyboard and do work can offer this feedback. The essence of catching Google and bypassing Google is simple - just present better products than Google. And in the process, don’t launch recognized defective products.

It may seem old fashioned in this ‘throw away age.’ However, the buyer still wants quality and the successful company is still the one that ‘builds the better mousetrap.’

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster