Microsoft, OEMs using coupons to move Vista?
updated 03:50 pm EDT, Thu August 10, 2006
Microsoft Vista Coupons
Many large computer OEMs were disappointed by the news that Windows Vista would not be ready for volume shipments of home-oriented PCs by the end of the year. Operating system upgrades are often strong incentives for users looking to replace their old computers, and manufacturers such as Dell and HP were hoping to capitalize on the intended Fall release of Vista as a way to boost their holiday season sales. Without Vista as a selling point, manufacturers and Microsoft have resorted to offering buyers coupons for free upgrades to the new operating system, says DigiTimes. Customers who buy from certain vendors later in the year will be eligible for a free copy of Vista in January 2007, when the software is expected to ship in bulk. Although OEMs stand to gain the most from the sales drive, Microsoft's contribution indicates that it is worried slow adoption of Vista will seriously damage its long-term prospects.
