Microsoft Partner Points to Soft Vista Demand

Microsoft continues to generate record profits. But the mood about Windows Vista remains mixed at best, especially among hardware and software partners. The VAR Guy was surprised to read a surprisingly honest assessment of the situation from Hauppauge Digital Inc., maker of WinTV technology.

In a statement about quarterly results, Hauppauge CEO Ken Plotkin said, “consumers have been slow to upgrade existing PCs to Windows Vista,” according to Newsday, Long Island’s local paper.

Hmmm. That’s not exactly news to The VAR Guy and the rest of the world. But, it’s rare for a small Microsoft partner to speak so openly and honestly about the situation–especially since Vista is still so new. You can bet Bill Gates has placed Hauppauge Digital on Double Secret Probation for such honesty.

Overall, it’s difficult to say how well Vista is doing. Yes, Microsoft has sold more than 20 million Vista licenses. But how many customers actually requested the operating system? And how many more would send it back to Redmond, if only they knew how? Based on all the negative Vista buzz, Apple is actually suggesting that the Vista party is over before it starts.

In reality, PC vendors are selling boatloads of Vista systems to consumers. But perhaps not as many as expected. How else can you explain Dell’s decision to re-introduce Windows XP on some systems while at the same time launching consumer PCs with Ubuntu Linux preinstalled.

If only the rest of the IT industry could be as honest about the situation as Hauppauge Digital.