The ultimate Apple ad: Microsoft's Vista lineup

Over at Windows IT Pro, Paul Thurrott notes that Microsoft is releasing no fewer than eight different versions of Windows Vista. Just so everyone can keep them straight, they are:

1. Windows Starter 2007. This doesn't have Aero graphics so it doesn't even get the Vista name.


2. Windows Vista Home Basic. This is targeted at single PC homes.


3. Windows Vista Home Basic N. This version eliminates Windows Media Player for the European market in accordance with its antitrust complaint.


4. Windows Vista Home Premium. This includes Media Center functions.


5. Windows Vista Business. Corresponding to XP Pro today, this version resumably includes VPN functions, crypography, and remote management, although the article doesn't say this.


6. Windows Vista Business N. Vista Business without Windows Media Player for the European Union.


7. Windows Vista Enterprise. This one includes Virtual PC, secure startup and full volume encryption and multi-language interface.


8. Windows Vista Ultimate. This version includes all features of both Vista Home Premium and Vista Business.

So now imagine you are in a computer store looking through computer systems. Now, not only will you have to decide on a processor, graphics card, monitor, and printer, but you'll have to choose among eight different OS versions, only one of which is pre-loaded (unless Microsoft chooses to use a key-unlocking system and preloads them all). There is probably no better demonstration of the tyranny of too much.

Someone at Microsoft should read up on basic product marketing. The most effective product positioning systems are along the lines of "Good", "Better", "Best". More choices simply slow down the sale and make the consumer work harder to figure out what they actually need and want to pay for.

But there's a silver lining in all this. With Microsoft spending $200 million on Vista marketing, can you think of any more effective marketing campaign for Apple?

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