If there’s any part of the PC market that is hurting for competition, it’s the OS market. Microsoft has been the top of the food chain in the Operating System column for as long as computers have been affordable for the mass consumer. Sure, we have Linux & Macintosh OSX, but Microsoft still reigns king.

So, without much in the way of competition, combined with the additional demands the consumer makes out of the Operating System, the price for the end user seems to keep going up.

Or do they?

I’ll give you a quick look at the Windows evolution…

Windows XP Home Edition launched with a price tag of $99 for the upgrade & $199 for the full version. Windows XP Professional version really wasn’t necessary for the average home user.

Then, Microsoft launched Windows Vista. Not only did they confuse us by breaking it down into 5 different versions, but the cost went up a little (or a lot depending on which flavor you bought).
For example, Vista Home Basic (which is the most stripped down version of Windows you could get; basically a warmed over type of Windows XP) went for $129/$259. Windows Vista Ultimate version sold for $299/$499! That’s quite a jump to get the complete package of an operating system that by many accounts didn’t deliver on it’s promise & was essentially broken for many others (I personally still use Windows XP at home).
Talk about a public relations nightmare! Combine that with the bugs & Apple started having a field day with their “I’m a MAC” ads.

So, what should Microsoft do?

The economy is much worse than it was when Vista launched. Many people are leery about Windows 7 because they got burned with Windows Vista. Windows 7 is going to be a tough sell no matter where they turn.

The obvious answer is the pricing. Make it affordable and consumers will take a second look. There was a leaked memo from Best Buy recently that said something to the effect of Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade will be $50. Keep in mind, Microsoft has yet to officially announce pricing on any version & the Best Buy memo may be a timed promotion.

But think of the possibilities! If that is the true upgrade cost, then the full version of Windows 7 may be a full $100 cheaper than Windows Vista.

Another thing I hope Microsoft does is take a page from Apple & do a family license. Most homes have several computers in them. Why not do a 5 license package so all PC’s can be upgraded? It’ll be interesting to see what Microsoft does as the PR mess Vista created is going to be a large hurdle.

One thing they do have going for them is Windows 7 might just be what Vista should have been. I’ve been using Windows 7 since the beginning of the year & I love it (and I really didn’t like Vista at all).

So with the good buzz coming from the folks who beta tested it & the folks using the release client plus a possible consumer friendly price point, will Microsoft finally be viewed in a good light again?

What do you think? Leave your comments below…