CRNTech: Seven potential obstacles to Windows 7 bliss

The Windows 7 SKU shell game

One of the many gripes customers and partners had about Vista was Microsoft's confusing array of six different versions - twice the number it offered with XP - each of which had its own set of features. With Windows 7, Microsoft insists that Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Home Premium will fit the needs of most customers, but it's also offering six different versions this time around. This begs the question of whether Microsoft heard any of the feedback that Vista customers offered on this particular point.

The sprawl of Windows 7 SKUs doesn't represent a barrier in and of itself, but in the opinion of some solution providers, Microsoft's marketing department still doesn't appear to grasp that multiple Windows SKUs creates confusion in the marketplace, and that this confusion could have a trickle-down effect on Windows 7 adoption.

"This is not only hard for end users, it's also a pain for us," said one source. "As was the case with Vista, it's hard to keep track of which features come with which Windows 7 versions. I've never understood why Microsoft has to have so many different versions. There's a lot to be said for keeping things simple," says the source.

Microsoft seems to be unable or unwilling to stop playing the Windows feature shell game, in which it limits new features to premium SKUs in order to lure customers into volume licensing contracts. But in so doing, Microsoft is playing a dangerous game when it comes to security, according to solution providers.

Microsoft is touting the new security features in Windows 7 to get businesses to upgrade, but Windows 7 Professional - the version it expects most businesses will buy - won't include BitLocker (full disk encryption) or AppLocker (software restriction policy manager). Windows 7 Professional also won't include Direct Access, which securely connects mobile workers to corporate networks without VPN; or BranchCache, which stores frequently used data locally to improve network performance at remote locations.

To get these features, customers will have to buy Windows 7 Enterprise, which is only available through volume licensing.

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