From: mike 


http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2007/04/04/survey-most-people-know-about-v
ista-but-few-intend-to-upgrade/

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While most online computers users are aware of Microsoft’s Windows Vista,
few are intending to switch over to the new operating system anytime soon,
according to a recent Harris Poll.

The Harris Poll of 2223 US online adults in early March found that 87% were
aware of Vista. Unfortunately for Microsoft, only 12% of Vista-aware
respondents were intending to upgrade to Vista in the next 12 months.

The poll revealed that 39% of those intending to move over to Vista planned
to upgrade their existing computer so it would meet Vista requirements, 35%
planned to buy a new computer with Vista preinstalled, 17% planned to
purchase a new “Vista-ready” computer, and 8% said that they would install
Vista on their existing computer without any upgrade.

A similar Harris Poll in December 2006, just one month before Vista’s
consumer launch, found that 47% of those online were aware of Vista, and
that 20% intended to upgrade in the coming year.

It seems that while Microsoft’s “Wow Starts Now” marketing campaign has
boosted awareness of Vista, it hasn’t substantially increased the total
number of people planning to upgrade.

The survey does indicate, however, that the release of the new operating
system has affected the timing of the purchase of a new computer for 40% of
the respondents who were aware of Vista: one in five said they had delayed
the purchase of a new computer, and one in five said they would bring
forward the purchase of a new computer.

According to Milton Ellis, Vice President of Harris Interactive’s
Technology Group, said Microsoft has some way to go to convert the
awareness of Vista into sales.

“In order to generate that ‘WOW’ factor, Microsoft will have to put forth a
value proposition that will move the majority to the upgrade category in
the years ahead. Vista promised better performance, reliability, security,
and a revolutionary user interface - but it appears consumers looking to
upgrade are not ready to buy into the promise whereas new computer buyers
will want the latest and greatest,” said Ellis.

“Microsoft has faced this challenge before with operating system upgrades.
Consumers tend to wait until a few service packs have been released to fix
real or perceived problems. No doubt, Microsoft understands these issues
and will proceed accordingly.”
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On a related note, I received a new Dell catalog today, and I see they are
back to putting Windows XP on their systems, in addition to the MS Windows
Vista option.



 /m

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