Microsoft Helping Partners
Avoid
Windows
Vista had more than its share of hardware- and software-compatibility issues,
and that's a big reason why the operating system has been so widely and
persistently criticized by users. ButMicrosoft (NSDQ: MSFT) says it has learned
a lot from its Vista mistakes, and with Windows 7, is making sure partners have
everything they need to get their products running smoothly on the new OS.
That's the reasoning behind Monday's launch of the Windows 7 and Windows Server
2008 R2 Ecosystem Readiness Program, which gives Microsoft's software and
hardware partners access to beta software builds, development and testing
tools, community interaction and technical documentation.
The idea is to give partners a consistent foundation to begin learning about
and testing the new products, and to clearly communicate all changes --
something that Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Windows product
management, admits that Microsoft didn't do a good enough job of during the
run-up to Vista's release.
"One of the most impressive things about this content is that it's
prescriptive," Nash told Channelweb.com in a recent interview. "It
presents the information you need to know as well as the context of why it's
important."
In recognition of the explosion of smartphones, digital cameras and other
consumer electronic devices, Microsoft has focused on making these devices play
well with Windows 7. One notable feature, Device Stage, makes it easier for
users to find applications and services for their hardware devices, and can be
leveraged by vendors to create better user experiences, Nash said.
With Windows 7, partners also will have opportunities to include touch-enabled
features within their mainstream applications, and that's creating a network
effect with some interesting implications for entertainment, home and kitchen
settings, according to Nash. Although it's debatable whether businesses are
clamoring for touch technology just yet, Nash says that's one area where the partner
ecosystem will play a major role.
Microsoft's channel partners like what they've seen from the vendor in terms of
its open communication about all aspects of Windows 7 development.
"The partner story with Windows 7 has improved noticeably because Microsoft
has focused on providing early access," said Lee Nicholls, global
solutions director for Microsoft technologies at Getronics, a global $3.4
billion IT services company and Microsoft Gold partner.
Added Nicholls: "The Windows 7 beta is so stable and polished that it
really doesn't feel like beta software. They've clearly paid a lot of attention
to the feedback that users gave them during
