It was just an example. MS appears to be planning availability of retail
upgrade versions for each variation of Vista, including Ultimate.
Naturally Microsoft wants to sell 2 operating systems for as many
computers as possible. They only get paid decently on OEM versions if a
small OEM buys it. To make big bucks on a Dell Microsoft has to sell an
upgrade to the OEM operating system they practically gave to Dell. I
anticipate the OEM version of Vista that is most widely adopted for new
computers will cost us small OEM's $180.00 compared to $90.00 for XP Home
OEM, and Dell, practically nothing.
Your comments were about Microsoft doing those desiring an upgrade a
"favor" as in service, as in a bull servicing a cow. Example:
My example assumes everyone plays by the rules, the EULA or whatever you
call the greasless screw.
I, a member of the Microsoft OEM System Builder Program, sold a new
computer with Windows XP Home OEM installed. In 30 days my customer
decides he wants Windows XP Professional. My OEM version of Windows XP
Professional costs $150.00. Can't do that as it is an already existing
computer which has had its "DNA" sent to Microsoft when Windows XP Home
OEM was authenticated on it. The only version of XP Professional this 30
day old computer qualifies for is the Upgrade Version. No problem. It
costs $180.00. So my customer goes to the store and spends $180.00 for the
Upgrade version. Since I was outraged about this royal screwing, I called
Microsoft to confirm that I was reading the rules correctly and Microsoft
confirmed that I was correct. I argued with Microsoft for a few minutes as
they repeated, "Only the retail version of Windows XP Professional Upgrade
version can be legally installed on this existing computer."
Case closed. Customer has spent $270.00 on Windows in 30 days. Is this
rigged or what?? So, as you said, "MS appears to be planning availability
of retail
upgrade versions for each variation of Vista, including Ultimate." I am
sure they are! $$$$$$$$$$$$
It would be in Microsoft's financial interest to NOT provide upgrade
versions for anything but Vista Home Basic. By providing upgrades for the
rest of the series, they are reducing potential income, not increasing it.
One of the biggest advantages of being a small builder is the ability to
truly customize each computer for the customer's exact purposes. That
includes fleshing out all user requirements for the operating system--so the
situation you describe above doesn't happen.
Greg
