Four out of five computers within the workplace are not adequately equipped to make the jump to Microsoft's Vista operating system based on the software maker's stated requirements, one study shows.
Amongst the largest obstacles to a smooth transition, the report states, are memory and had drive space requirements. Microsoft requires at least 512 MB of RAM to run Vista but recommends a full gigabyte. A mere 30 percent of PCs reportedly met 1GB requirement, according to the report. Similarly, 62.4 percent of the machines did not have the recommended 40GB hard drive storage, including over 18 percent that failed to meet the the required "15GB of free hard drive space" necessary to complete the software install.
"Clearly many companies face stark realities as they consider upgrading their IT assets to Windows Vista in the coming months," said Ed Mueller, chief marketing officer for Everdream. "The costs of getting computers into compliance with Microsoftâs requirements will likely be a huge obstacle to Vista adoption, especially for small and mid-sized companies that have limited IT budget, resources and staff."
Consumers should also be cautious of disparities between labels that appear on some systems," said Mark Minasi, author of numerous books on the Windows operating system. He warns that "a system that is Windows Vista capable doesn't necessarily translate to one that is Windows Vista enjoyable.â
Overall, the data shows that more than 93 percent of companies will face difficulties upgrading at least one their computers to Windows Vista. However, it said just 6.7 percent of machines in its sample would be critically limited by lacking the required processor speed.
Still, Microsoft has already managed to sell some 20 million copies of Vista worldwide since its release on January 30th. Those sales best the 17 million copies of Windows XP sold over its first two months on the market back in 2001. However, comparing the raw figures of the launch sales for the two software releases can be misleading, as the worldwide PC installed base grew significantly in the intervening years.
Based on the growth in the number of in-use PCs over the past 6 years, it could be argued that Vista's sales are off to a slower start than that of XP.
76 Comments
Man, what an opportunity for Apple... they need to jump on this like white on rice.
My company just finished upgrading to xp...a process that's taken 3 years to complete. We won't be getting Vista anytime soon.
So what else is new, M$ making another product that sells more hardward, and you wonder why M$ and Intel like each other so much.
Image what would have happen if Apple released OSX that did not work on 80% of the install base.
Man, what an opportunity for Apple... they need to jump on this like white on rice.
I don't really see how, as I wouldn't recommend anyone running OSX or even Windows XP with less then a gig of RAM. The fact is most vista upgrades will probably come when ever the companies hit their 3 to 5 year upgrade cycles when the new hardware comes in. Just to point out as well that it's still cheaper to upgrade the computers to vista even with new hardware, then it would be to swap out to Macs, since the only option companies would have to keep their moniters keyboards and mice is a Mac Pro ( too expensive) and a Mac Mini (probably not practical) so they are still stuck with huge cash outlays. This may only be practical if it's a very small business with a small amount of IT infrastructure.
Haha.