Gartner: Steer away from Win XP Starter Edition

By Aloysius Choong, ZDNet Asia
Friday, August 13, 2004 06:21 PM
Gartner has labeled Microsoft's upcoming version of Windows for developing countries as a product with good intent, but poor execution.

In a report published this week, Gartner analysts Dion Wiggins and Martin Gilliland noted that missing features in the Windows XP Starter Edition would frustrate users, and claimed that its limited software upgrade path would "likely increase software piracy".

Microsoft on Wednesday announced plans to launch the cheap, easy-to-use version of Windows XP in five emerging markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Targeted at first-time users, some features have been removed, such as file and print sharing as well as support for local area networks.

In its report, Gartner agreed that such home networking functions have "little relevance" to Microsoft's target audience. However, it chided the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant for imposing other restrictions, such as allowing users to run only three applications at any one time.

The research firm also cited security as an issue, particularly the provision of patches and updates for users with slow and expensive Internet connections.

"Many citizens who do not own a PC are already familiar with basic PC use from cybercafes and schools," said Wiggins, who is vice president and research director of Gartner Research and Advisory Services. "Windows XP Starter Edition is likely to frustrate these users as it is not delivering the same quality experience due to the limitations imposed."

He added that Microsoft's lack of an upgrade path from the Starter Edition means that more advanced users will have to pay the full retail price for XP Home Edition. This may prompt users to turn to bootleg alternatives and lead to increased software piracy, he said.

In conclusion, the authors recommended that enterprises should not consider the product, while even consumers should "steer away" until it has been "retooled to grow with the user".

When contacted, a Microsoft spokesperson said its research indicated that "first-time computer users tend to use a small number of programs and windows at the same time, which helps them stay organized and reduces confusion".

She added that Microsoft would continue to gather feedback from consumers over the next 12 months.


See also:  Windows XP
WORTHWHILE?

0

0 votes
Blog

Talkback 0 comments

There are currently no comments for this post.

Guest user

Guest user

Level: 
Joined: —
Already a member? Log in »



 

Loading...

Tech Jobs Now!

Mainsoft: Opening options for Java, .NET developers

Java

Mainsoft provides tools for running .NET code on the Java platform.


Read more »


Tags

  1. adobe
  2. apple
  3. apps
  4. big
  5. by
  6. china
  7. enterprise
  8. google
  9. hat
  10. iso
  11. linux
  12. microsoft
  13. mobile
  14. office
  15. ooxml
  16. open
  17. pc
  18. ready
  19. red
  20. salesforce
  21. software
  22. source
  23. standard
  24. sun
  25. users
  26. vista
  27. vote
  28. windows
  29. xml
  30. xp
 
Increase performance with eco-technology innovations
Simplify your infrastructure and unify management, while lowering power and cooling costs of your datacenter.
» Maximum flexibility with powerful blade technolgy
» Bring new services and applications online faster
» Lower energy use and cost
Oracle SOA Business Software Centre
Many companies are recognizing the need to adopt standards in their efforts to build service-oriented applications.
Secure the "Next-Gen SOA Infrastructure" & "Bringing SOA Value Patterns to Life" whitepapers here

» Visit the Power Center

Up close and personal with a merger

Blog thumbnail

What can you get for 13.9 billion buckaroos? For Hewlett-Packard, US$13.9 billion would allow you to buy your way into becoming the second biggest IT services company in the industry...... by Eileen Yu

Read more »