I originally posted this as an update to the earlier post, but changed my mind almost immediately and moved it to it’s own post, because the thought kept developing. In a response to the original article, I said:
Sure, the new software scrambles eggs, makes coffee, and doesn’t burn the toast. But how much time, effort, and MONEY is being sunk into dealing with these constant updates? The cost of the software and licenses is only the tip of the iceberg. It’s lost productivity, even without blowups like happened to Metafilter. Businesses can’t afford to replace the core of their daily operations every three years–it’s expensive and dangerous.
Now, add this into the mix.
Windows “Vienna” (formerly known as Blackcomb) is a codename for a future version of Microsoft Windows, originally announced in February 2000, but has since been subject to major delays and rescheduling. Microsoft now announced it will be released in 2009, and according to “Smart Computing In Plain English”, a techonology magazine, work on it began right after Windows Vista was released. As of February 2007, the name of the operating system used internally is undisclosed and is not used publicly by Microsoft, though “Windows 7” has been noted in job postings as a working name for the project.
So, right about the time I’m going to give up and move to Vista, the next O/S will be out… after only two years.
I’m sure the Microsoft fanboys will be lining up to purchase it. Me, I’ll be across the street, picking up a used abacus at the antique store.
One argument I’ve had advanced against me in the past during these rants is that “Well Microsoft has to make money somehow, what do you have against that.” The answer is “nothing” as far as that goes. The problem is, it’s an asinine argument. Bill Gates’ need to make a living; hell, Microsoft’s need to make a profit should not automatically translate to “Ubu Roi needs a new operating system.”
Bluntly put, it is the surest proof of Microsoft’s monopoly (which the Justice Department left intact) that they can create their own demand. Enron has NOTHING on Microsoft, except prison sentences.
