I just had lunch with Naomi Higgins, who now runs analyst relations for Microsoft in the UK.
We discussed how to improve the working relationship between Microsoft and the industry analysts it works with. I tend to think moving from a transactional to a subscription-based model would be a step in the right direction. But that’s not the point I want to make. We also discussed the latest Vista delay.
Microsoft just announced Vista consumer edition is not going to be ready for the Autumn and Christmas season. That could hurt a lot of retail and channel partners. Why not turn the problem into an advantage and offer a $150 Vista rebate, through partners, for anyone that buys an Xbox this Christmas? Get the Xbox to go under the tree, and get ready for a new high spec PC in the New Year.
I appreciate that Xbox is already a loss leader, but this isn’t about cash, its about community good will. And Microsoft is not short of cash. As long as the kids (and kidults) get an Xbox, nobody is going to be worrying about Vista. The security excuse though? That is beyond lame.
The products may not be ready but the people are.
What would make this strategy even sweeter? Sony’s delays in delivering the Playstation 3 are what is creating this window of opportunity for Microsoft. Are the folks at In-Stat on acid? Sony can’t divide and rule if kids don’t have a games console choice to make.
This Christmas could see ludicrous numbers of kids waking up to an Xbox, especially if their parents are thinking they just got a bargain on the next PC… This is not about either or. But both. The delay may, oddly, benefit Microsoft, if it plays its cards right. There is only so much space under the tree anyway. Offer a good game for 1 year olds and I might even buy one.
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