Microsoft announced that users of its Vista operating system will be able to exercise their right to downgrade to the older, but far more popular, Windows XP, until July 31, 2009 - a six-month extension over a previous deadline.  The reason, according to Microsoft, is to “ensure a smooth transition” for users, ostensibly to Vista.

In fact, if Microsoft keeps to its development plans for the next generation of Windows, called Version 7, there will only be a six-month gap between the end of the availability of XP and the expected introduction of Windows 7, thus allowing users to easily skip Vista altogether.

What does this mean to salespeople?

With some educated planning, sales professionals can “hop over” Microsoft Vista.  Although Microsoft has worked hard to improve the stability of its newest OS, Vista still requires a relatively large amount of processor power and systems resources to take advantage of all its capabilities - and most salespeople simply do not need all the “bells and whistles” in this advanced platform.

Salespeople who are planning to upgrade their computer should plan on doing so before the new XP downgrade deadline of July 31 of next year. The early glimpses of Windows 7 indicate that the new OS will be more user-friendly and leaner than the resource-intensive Vista.  XP has been very stable, secure and widely supported for a long time now, and represents a safer and more practical alternative to Vista’s more ambitious system requirements.  By downgrading to XP, and then waiting for Windows 7 for the next OS upgrade, sales pros can bridge over Vista completely.

Tags: deadline, Vista, Windows, Windows 7, XP, XP downgrade

 

 Selling Geek 014-Dell Inspiron Mini 9 [21:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The tech blog Engadget recently pronounced: “The age of the netbook has indeed, arrived.” According to an Amazon.com list of the best-selling computers, nine of the top ten systems sold in September 2008 were ultra-portable devices. Popular netbooks like the ASUS EeePC 900, HP 2133 Mini-Note PC, Acer Aspire One, MSI Wind and Lenovo IdeaPad S10 are all designed principally for accessing the Internet, managing email, browsing websites, instant messaging, running hosted applications and other connected tasks. Designed to be lightweight, compact, easy to carry and simple to operate, netbooks have emerged as an affordable option for Internet-connected professionals, which of course include most salespeople.

Recognizing this accelerating trend, Dell has released their Inspiron Mini 9 netbook at comparatively low prices: US$349 for a model with 4 gigabytes (GB) of solid-state storage, $399 for 8GB and $449 for 16GB. Customers may select either the Ubunu Linux or Windows XP Home operating system to run on the Mini 9’s Intel Atom processor. The compact, lightweight unit weighs just less than 2.3 pounds, and features an 8.9-inch screen, all in a relatively tiny package approximately 1 by 9 by 7-inches - about the size and weight of a moderate-length hardback novel.

Dell describes the Mini 9 as a “communication device,” rather than as a computer, as this box is tailor-made for Internet-centric tasks. To supplement the relatively small amount of on-board storage, Dell bundles 2GB of free Internet-based storage from Box.net, providing users with an online resource to keep and retrieve files. The Mini 9 also includes wi-fi access with a wireless 802.11g adapter installed, and also offers optional Bluetooth connectivity for an additional $20. The Mini 9 supports video chatting with a built-in microphone and webcam.

Some people have experimented with using a netbook as their sole computing device, with decidedly mixed results. Ultra-portable computers are designed to be carried around and connected to the ‘net - and for these tasks, they are very well suited. But as a rule, they lack the processor power, storage capacity and ergonomic niceties needed for content creation tasks including graphics, audio, video, and intensive text editing.

I wondered if the Mini 9 would be suitable as a second computer, to be used for sales trips on the road. After lugging around a full-featured laptop for many years, which weighs 12 pounds, I dreamed of leaving that heavy-duty computer (in every sense of the phrase) at home, transferring only those files I needed for sales calls to a lighter unit. I’ve found that I rarely use all the storage and content creation power of my laptop when traveling - most of that work is usually done in the office. On the road, I typically use my computer for email, web browsing, light document editing, and to show PowerPoint presentations. Could the Mini 9 fill the bill as my traveling machine, and save my aching back?

Girls like netbooks!

I tested a 16GB Mini 9 with Windows XP, with Bluetooth and the higher-resolution 1.3 megapixel camera options. The first thing you notice about this machine when you take it out of the box is that it is indeed tiny, compared to its laptop cousins. My charming spouse, after seeing the Mini 9, remarked, “I like your little toy computer - it’s cute.” If you have insecure feelings about your masculinity, the Mini 9 won’t do much for your image, apparently.

At the risk of sounding a bit sexist, I’ve found that, in general, women seem to love the Mini 9. After seeing my new Dell netbook, one of my female co-workers commented, “Hey, I could put that in my purse – it’d be great for browsing at Starbucks,” and then she pressed me for details about how to order one. On my last plane flight, three attractive flight attendants descended upon me, literally cooing at my Mini 9 like it was some sort of cute electronic newborn – which, in a way, I guess it is. Just yesterday, a young lady stopped when she saw me working on my Mini 9 during lunch in a nearby deli – she was fascinated with my little netbook and practically begged for an on-the-spot demo.

Folks, I’m your average-looking, middle aged sales geek, and I long ago gave up trying to share my enthusiasm for gadgets with the fairer sex, realizing that they found such discourse boring in the extreme. So, I find this sudden female fascination with reduced-size technology a bit baffling. I leave it to you to think of your own clever innuendo regarding how size doesn’t matter – but clearly in this case it does, and in favor of the diminutive. Could the compact design of netbooks like the Mini 9 make them into items of fashion, attractive to women buyers? I wonder.

Small is beautiful - mostly…

Practically speaking, the Mini 9’s small size is both its greatest asset and its worst flaw. It is indeed easy to carry. My laptop bag strap no longer cuts into my shoulder like a scythe. The Mini 9 fits neatly in your hand, too - it really does feel like you are carrying a book, not a computing device. On a plane, the Mini 9 is so compact that it can share a seat-back tray table with a drink and peanuts, with room to spare.

But its small size does make the Mini 9 feel like a compromise in use. The 1024 x 600 resolution screen, although bright, crisp and very clear, doesn’t provide a lot of real estate for displaying information – so be prepared to scroll up and down a lot when web browsing.

And, as on all small netbooks, the keyboard is a challenge. The Mini 9’s letter keys are larger than on other netbooks, such as the ASUS EeePC 900, although certainly not full-sized. And less-used keys, such as Shift, Tab, Caps Lock, Escape, Page Up/Down and others, have been shrunk to half-sized mini-keys. Further, the function keys require simultaneous pressing of the “Fn” key with another key on the middle row of letters. Similarly, engaging other features, such as turning wi-fi on or off, muting the speaker, or switching display output to the VGA port, requires some finger-twisting concurrent pressing of Fn, Alt and number keys. Sometimes you feel like you’re playing a miniature version of Twister on the Mini 9’s keyboard.

You might not think that a 10 percent reduction from normal key size would make that much of a difference on the Mini 9’s letter keys, but if you are a touch typist, it’s just enough to slow you down significantly. My fat fingers have a hard time with the smaller shift keys, which means I have to stop, look, engage shift, then proceed. The same goes for the period key, too. And the key for apostrophe and quotation marks is wedged in at the bottom right, which is guaranteed to interrupt your creative flow if you use a lot of possessive contractions or write dialogue. Unless I ever think I deserve to pay a heavy penance for past sins, I will never write a novel on the Mini 9.

The integrated touchpad and mouse buttons, however, are very easy to use, and configurable to individual tastes. I usually attach an external mouse on my laptop, but I never felt the need to do that on the Mini 9.

Under the hood

Despite my spouse’s initial impression, the Mini 9 is no toy. I installed Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word 2007 (using a third-party USB attached DVD/CD drive), and the Atom processor cranks through these applications quite easily. The lean XP Home OS runs multiple applications simultaneously, and it’s a breeze to switch from one task to the other with just a quick tap of the touchpad control. I did experience some degradation of processor responsiveness after I had a half-dozen application windows open, so don’t count on the Mini 9 for more than moderate multitasking. The on-board 1.6-GHz Intel Atom processor isn’t going to win any super-computing awards, but it’s more than enough horsepower for the kind of work that most sales pros need to do.

I also found file retrieval and storage on the solid-state drive to be very snappy and simple, although I found myself wishing for a 32GB or larger option. If you run any moderately hefty applications on the Mini 9 with only 4GB of storage, or even with 8GB, I‘m sure you‘ll bump your head on a disk drive ceiling in a hurry. Unless you plan to use your netbook only for web browsing, bite the bullet and pay the extra $50 for the largest 16GB drive.

With 3 USB ports, extending storage on the Mini 9 with connecting devices is easy to do. I tested several third-party USB 2.0 flash drives and they all worked flawlessly, as did a USB portable hard drive and the aforementioned DVD/CD drive. With all the extra room in my computer bag that the Mini 9 frees up, carrying a portable hard disk unit and a couple thumb drives isn’t a problem. The unit also includes standard headphone and microphone jacks, a VGA-out port, a 3-in-1 media card slot (supporting SD, MS/MS Pro, and MMC formats), and an Ethernet jack. I tested all of these by conducting Skype voice-over-IP calls, connecting to a projector and driving a PowerPoint presentation, transferring images from my digital camera, and hooking up to a hotel Internet service, respectively, and the Mini 9 performed perfectly on all of these tasks. Dell provides a video-conferencing client with the Mini 9, but I tested the built-in webcam using the latest Skype 4.0 beta, and had no problems at all.

Is the Mini 9 a cloud computer?

On his blog, tech pundit Om Malik outlined ten criteria for a perfect “cloud computer.” The Mini 9 comes close to meeting these qualifications, but not quite. Let’s run through each of these criteria, and see how the Mini 9 stacks up:

1. Instant On - I was disappointed that the Mini 9 did not include a Linux-on-a-chip “instant on” feature that Dell provides in some of its new Latitude E-series laptops. This feature enables you to do simple tasks immediately after switching your computer on, by loading a basic Linux operating system from firmware, rather than a full-featured OS from the hard drive. Instead, the Mini 9 loads its OS conventionally from storage. I timed the Mini 9’s boot-up time for XP, after powering on, at just over 30 seconds. Wondering if I might improve that, I uncompressed the hard drive, and that reduced the boot up time to just over 20 seconds, albeit by sacrificing a couple gigabytes of storage. It’s not “instant on,” but it’s pretty darned close.
2. Doesn’t generate too much heat - even after running for three hours, the bottom of the Mini 9 gets only slightly warm. You won’t find your thighs sweating after working with the Mini 9 for a while.
3. Minimum 5 hours of battery life - the Mini 9 gets close to this mark, but not quite. I timed battery life while doing word processing and spreadsheet work at just under four hours. Not bad.
4. At least four communications options - again, the Mini 9 comes close, as it includes WiFi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. However, when you open the bottom of the device, you will find an empty slot that is clearly marked “WWAN”, and Dell has hinted that it is in discussion with several wireless service carriers for a Wireless Wide Area Network connection to an EVDO or HSPA network option, so perhaps we can expect a fourth connection option for the Mini 9 soon.
5. Less than three pounds (batteries included) – here, the Mini 9 shines, weighing only 2.3 pounds, even with a 4-cell 32WHr Lithium-Ion battery on board.
6. Screen size of 3.5-8 inches (wide-screen proportioned) – The Mini 9 is slightly larger than Om’s ideal criteria, at 8.9 inches, but I like it that way, and in fact, wish it was even a little bigger.
7. Cloud-based activity focused – Dell recognizes that netbooks are oriented for Internet-centric work by bundling in Box.net storage, which I found a snap to set up and easy to use. The 802.11g wireless adapter is also one of the most sensitive I’ve ever seen – I was able to pick up wi-fi hotspots from more than 300 feet away and make reliable connections. This box is clearly designed for connecting to the ‘net.
8. Cost no more than $300 – ah, here the Mini 9 stumbles. Even in its least expensive configuration, the Mini 9 is $350 – and my fully tricked-out version will cost you just over $500, not including any externally connected drives, if you need them. Compared to other competitive netbooks in the market, such as HP’s Mini-Note or the MSI Wind, the Dell is similarly priced, and still about half of what you’d expect to pay for a good fully-functional laptop. But make no mistake, it’s still not what I’d call cheap.
9. Ports and connections geared for Internet-based activities — as I’ve said before, the Mini 9 handles external peripherals with aplomb, and it supports ‘net-centric tasks, like Skype calls, very easily.
10. Touchscreen interface - not keyboard, touchpad focused – sorry, the Mini 9 is no iPhone.

So, in total, the Mini 9 meets five of the ten cloud computer criteria perfectly, with near-misses on another four. In short, if computing in the cloud is your goal, you’re going to be pretty happy with the Mini 9.

Although Dell is entering the crowded ultraportable market relatively late, the Mini 9’s release is a significant event. Dell is one of the last major computer manufacturers to embrace netbooks, and this should help to accelerate the acceptance of Internet-based cloud computing using lightweight, portable devices.

Sales Pro Value Score

In summary, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 has indeed become my favorite road trip machine. Although it’s a bit more expensive than I hoped, the keyboard is more cramped than I’d like, and the memory options are limited, it fulfills all of my most important expectations for a traveling sales professional’s portable computing device. It’s easy to overlook the Mini 9’s few flaws after you’ve carried it to some sales calls – especially when you realize that your back doesn’t hurt anymore from lugging around a comparatively behemoth laptop. So, for its solid, lightweight design and good performance, though not without a few compromises, Selling Geek awards the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 a Sales Pro Value Score of 4.0 out of a possible 5.

Tags: Dell Inspiron Mini 9, Podcast, Review, selling geek, Timothy Sullivan

After months of eager anticipation, Dell Computer finally introduced its first true netbook computer, the Inspiron Mini 9.  Joining a large number of able competitors in the rapidly growing ultraportable market, Dell clearly intends to seize a significant share of new buyers by pricing the Mini 9 at US$349 for a model with 4 gigabytes (GB) of solid-state storage, $399 for 8GB and $449 for 16GB.

Users may select either the Ubunu Linux or Windows XP Home operating system to run on the Mini 9’s Intel 1.6GHz Atom processor.  The compact, lightweight unit weighs just under 2.3 pounds, and features an 8.9-inch screen, all in a relatively tiny 1.07 by 9.13 by 6.77-inch package.

Dell describes the Mini 9 as a “communication device”, rather than as a computer, and we agree - this box is tailor-made for Internet-centric tasks, such as e-mail, web browsing, instant messaging, blogging, and other web-connected applications.  To supplement the relatively small amount of on-board storage, Dell bundles 2GB of free Internet-based storage from Box.net, providing users with an online resource to keep and retrieve files.  The Mini 9 also includes wi-fi access with a wireless 802.11g adapter installed, and also offers optional Bluetooth connectivity for an additional $20.  The Mini 9 also supports video chatting with a built-in low-resolution 0.3 megapixel webcam - an optional higher resolution 1.3 megapixel version is available for an additional $10.

Although Dell is entering the crowded ultraportable market relatively late, the Mini 9’s release is a significant event.  Dell is the last major computer manufacturer to embrace the netbook as a viable platform for computing, and this should help to accelerate the acceptance of “cloud computing“ using lightweight, portable devices.

Sales professionals looking for a lightweight second computer for browsing the ‘net, or as a limited-function road machine, will find the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 an attractive alternative.  According to early reports, the Mini 9’s battery life runs about 3.5 hours - with the installation of wi-fi in more places, including planes, this unit could be a useful tool for web-centric applications, presentations, email and other communications.

Tags: Dell Inspiron Mini 9

Last in a six-part series

In Part One of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we summarize our findings and provide sales professionals with some clear recommendations about the kind of OS they should use.

So, what should salespeople do about their computer operating systems?

For many years now, most of the world rallied to one standard desktop operating system: Microsoft Windows.  It was a nice place to be - very consistent and predictable.  People could transfer their computer using skills from one place to the next with relative ease.  Information flowed.  Commerce thrived.  All was well in the kingdom.

Three accelerating trends are occurring now, however, that are beginning to disrupt this idyllic scene.

Let’s call the first of these trends the “good enough” syndrome.  Over the last few years, most computer users - especially mobile sales professionals - watched the incremental improvements in processor speeds as they developed, looked at their existing hardware, and said, “I think I’ll just live with this a while longer - it seems plenty good enough for the moment.” This is one big reason why Microsoft stumbled with their latest version of Windows: Vista.  They assumed that computer users would continue to upgrade their hardware, and follow the latest trends in state-of-the-art processors and supporting systems, just as they always had in the past.  But Microsoft supposed wrongly.  Unlike cutting-edge users of high-end gaming and other processor-intensive applications such as media creation, most businesspeople only need a solid, reliable machine that is good enough to get the job done.

A second trend is the rapidly rising reliability and availability of fast, ubiquitous Internet access.  This trend further reduces the need for powerful personal computer hardware, making super-robust client-based operating systems even less important.  As long as users can “jack into the cloud”, their computer need only be a reliable user interface and communications platform.

A third trend is the increasing blurring of device specialization.  In the good old days, you had a computer, a cell phone, a fax machine, a stereo, a television and maybe a VCR - each device performed its own special task.  Today, your computer, phone, instant messenger, email, music player, Internet browser and many other capabilities can all be wrapped up into a very small number of portable devices - and for some users, perhaps only one.  As long as people can get to their data, in a form factor that is comfortable to use, they don’t care what device they use.

These three trends - good enough power, ‘net access, and device consolidation - have huge implications for the kinds of operating systems that salespeople will use on their computers in the next few years.  Recognizing this, let’s now make some practical suggestions for sales professionals, along with a few bold predictions:

• First, most of the world is using Windows today (albeit mostly XP, not Vista), and that won’t change anytime soon.  So, if you’re using Windows now, and it’s all working fine, keep doing so.  You’re in good company, and there’s no need to panic.
• However, if you are using Vista today, or if you’re considering buying a new Vista-based machine, and your hardware doesn’t have the power to take advantage of the advanced user interface capabilities, consider “downgrading” to XP - you almost certainly will find a more stable environment there, and get snappier performance.
• If you are using a Mac today, and it’s getting the job done for you, keep doing so.  There’s no compelling reason to switch to any other operating system if you are happy in your insulated, safe Apple architecture - at least, for now.
• Monitor the development of netbooks closely - they will be the vehicles that drive widespread acceptance of “cloud computing.”  Netbooks are now cheap, highly portable, quick-performing platforms that are becoming especially compelling for mobile sales professionals.
• Consider buying one of the currently available, inexpensive netbooks with an “instant on” (probably Linux-based) OS as a second computer before the end of 2008, and begin to experiment with Internet-based storage and applications.  It will likely become your favorite “road machine”, and you’ll leave your heavy duty client computer at home for more processor-intensive work.
• Microsoft has probably learned enough from the Vista experience to make Windows 7 much more scalable, lean, and user-friendly OS.  The early indications that they are incorporating touch and gesture-based user interfaces will give Windows 7 enough of a “wow factor” to convince most users to upgrade to that platform in 2010.
• Even in 2010, we think that Apple will most likely continue to hide in its comfortable closed architecture, and cater to its relatively small legion of dedicated fans.
• By 2010, an increasing number of netbook users will be familiar with Linux, but most won’t realize that is what they are using - to them, it will just be the “instant on” usability feature, and they’ll use it only to the extent that they need to get connected to the Internet.
• We think that Microsoft’s Windows 7 short-term upgrade search will be a somewhat hollow victory.  By then, enough netbooks will be in use to make cloud-based operating environments common.  By 2014, just as Microsoft ends formal support of the venerable old XP OS, it’s likely that most computer users will be “jacking into the cloud” far more frequently than they will be using disconnected, client-based computers.
• What will the dominant cloud-based OS be in 2015 and beyond? Unfortunately, there are far too many experiments in different ‘net-based operating systems today to know for certain.  Most likely, all of the currently significant OS platforms - Windows, Mac OS, and Linux - will each evolve cloud OS capabilities, thereby preserving some semblance of today’s market shares.  In other words, the brands will be the same, but they will each operate very differently than they do today.

If you take nothing else away from this series, consider this: operating systems are going to change the way that salespeople use computers over the next few years.  Those that stay on top of this rapid evolution will find exciting new ways to get the information they need to find, sell, close and service customers - those that try to cling to the status quo will be left behind, and fairly quickly.  It is that important.  Take heed.

Tags: cloud computing, Linux, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, Operating System, OS

Fifth in a six-part series

In Part One of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we speculate about what could be emerging as a new OS alternative.

“The Cloud”

In the previous part in this series, we examined the emerging role of Linux on netbook computers for providing “instant on” access to web browsing and other simple computer functions.  Now, imagine if all computing functions resided not on your computer, but entirely on the Internet only.  If fast, reliable, ubiquitous Internet access is readily available, then you don’t really need to store anything on your computer - all your data and applications could be retrieved and executed from the Internet.

This is the definition of “cloud computing” - the ability to do all of your data processing entirely in the Internet, smoothly, safely and reliably.

A cloud computer only needs enough processing power and connectivity capability to reliably access the Internet.  Other than the operating system, which can be loaded from an onboard ROM chip, there isn’t much need to store anything in a cloud computer - all files can be stored on the ‘net.  A good cloud computing device is more of a communications appliance than it is a standalone computer.  Tech pundit Om Malik outlined the ideal criteria for a cloud computer as follows:

1. Instant On
2. Doesn’t generate too much heat.
3. Minimum 5 hours of battery life.
4. Must feature at least four communications options: WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth & Wireless Wide Area Network connection to, say, an EVDO or HSPA Network.
5. Less than three pounds (batteries included).
6. Screen size of 3.5-8 inches (wide-screen proportioned)
7. The primary function of the computer should be cloud-based activities that can include everything from listening to live music, reading blogs and watching videos. Writing research reports or cranking out spreadsheets isn’t the primary purpose of these machines.
8. It should cost no more than $300. This isn’t a computer; it’s a communications device. It should really be an on-the-go device. It is a device for the moments when your cellphone isn’t enough, and laptop is too much. An iPhone should qualify.
9. Its innards, ports should be geared for Internet-based activities — from making calls on Skype to consuming RSS feeds — though it should be able to handle external peripherals.
10. In the future it should move away from the keyboard and have a touchscreen interface that allows one to sift through large amounts of data (or web pages) quickly, as cramped keyboards and touchpads can be hard to use.

Based on these critieria, ultra-portable netbooks certainly fill the bill as the ideal cloud computing device.  In fact, many technology industry observers believe that netbooks are already driving more users to Web-based operating environments.

Many users are already doing cloud computing, but may not be aware of it. Google Apps is a good example of ‘net based computing.  Millions of users routinely access Google Mail and Calendar every day, and more are beginning to use Google Docs for simple word processing and presentations - all driven entirely on the web.  The only thing the client computers do is drive web browsers and maintain the connection to the Internet.

The next step in cloud computing is desktop virtualization - which essentially simulates a computer system in software, which can be based on a connected system somewhere on the ‘net.  This gives a user a full computer experience, but it is actually happening somewhere else - the user simply interacts with the system through their web browser.  Virtual computer operating systems, such as G.ho.st, are showing that cloud computing experiences can be as easy to operate as any client-based, fully featured OS.

Microsoft has recognized the potential threat of cloud computing models to their Windows OS dominance. They have been experimenting with web-centric OS technology, most recently with a project called Midori.  Some analysts speculate that Midori might be “version 8″ of Windows, to be released sometime after Windows 7 appears in 2010.

Microsoft is also experimenting with distributed, web-based storage and computing models, such as Microsoft Live Mesh. Apple has also recognized the importance of web-based computing, introducing MobileMe for data synchronization and storage in July.  Although both platforms are not yet perfect, they clearly represent the rapidly accelerating trend away from the individual client computer towards the web.

As MobileMe’s early technical problems indicated, cloud computing, so far, hasn’t been totally reliable.  In fact, new services such as CloudStatus have emerged to monitor cloud-based systems availability.  If business enterprises are to become more reliant on the cloud for their distributed computing needs, then they will need to constantly monitor and evaluate how those systems are operating.

Still, the trend seems inevitable - the move to the cloud is accelerating, and sales professionals that rely on their computers would be well served to adapt.

Next in this series: So, what’s a salesperson to do?

Tags: cloud computing, CloudStatus, G.ho.st, google apps, Live Mesh, Midori, MobileMe, netbooks

Fourth in a six-part series

In Part One of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we focus on the most commonly-used open source alternative OS.

Linux

Originally developed in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, the Linux operating system is the poster child for open source, freely distributed software.  Used primarily to run back-office server computers, Linux is a favorite of systems administrators and programmers who appreciate its technical elegance and reliable operation, all at significantly lower cost than other commercial operating systems.

Linux’ strength is also its weakness, however.  Largely invisible to the end-user community, Linux hasn’t garnered the mindshare of the computer-buying market, compared to alternatives from Microsoft or Apple.  Since no one organization has a major stake in the commercial success of the OS, it has not been promoted aggressively to end users, as yet, so Linux just hasn’t captured the imagination of most computer systems buyers.

That is beginning to change, however.  Linux is finally making its way onto the typical computer user’s desktop, driven mostly by the rapid emergence of ultra-portable netbook computers. Generally smaller and lighter than full-function laptops, ultra-portables are designed primarily for accessing the Internet and performing lighter computing tasks.  Netbooks are more information-access appliances than standalone computers.  And like all good appliances, the ability to perform a function quickly and simply is key to its marketability.  And so, Linux is now finding a happy home embedded in netbooks.

With a Linux-based OS embedded, an ultra-portable can provide “instant on” access to an Internet browser, or to files stored on the device.  Users don’t have to wait for a full-feature OS to load, as with Windows or OS X.  Just turn the netbook on, and away you go.  Two good examples of “instant on” Linux-based applications are Splashtop, available on many Asus ultra-portables, and Dell’s “Latitude ON”, which uses a version of the Ubuntu flavor of Linux - both provide users with immediate access to common computer functions.

Tech guru and pundit John Dvorak recently wrote about the potential threat that “instant on” embedded Linux poses to established operating systems, especially Windows.  Dvorak wrote:

…The most interesting story the media is downplaying is the ASUS announcement that it will have a ROM boot chip on all its motherboards, which will boot Linux instantly on start-up. When you flick the switch the machine is instantly on. (It’s about time.) Of course, you will have to press another button for the machine to load Windows…

It’s an extremely subversive ploy for a number of reasons. First of all, it gets people used to Linux, gives them a pain-free experience, and provides quick rewards. Second, it shows users that—most of the time—this is all they need. And finally, it makes Windows look like a subsystem not much different from a program that you run under Windows. The psychological effect of this is profound, and the results could be devastating for Microsoft.

What will develop naturally from such a new architecture will be Linux replacement apps for the usual Windows apps. One at a time they will come. Windows will boot only for those laggard apps, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. The rest of the time, users will remain in Linux, which will be perceived as very snappy and responsive—something missing from Windows.

Could Linux ultimately take over the computer operating system market? Even if “instant on” embedded Linux becomes common, the open source OS still may not be able to declare victory over Windows.  For one thing, most users turning on their netbook appliance won’t know that they are running Linux, so the OS won’t get the credit it probably deserves.  Second, Microsoft isn’t going to stay still, and as we’ve already discussed earlier in this series, they are also developing the next generation of Windows, which promises to be leaner, lighter and more flexible.  What’s to stop Microsoft from developing an “instant on” ROM-based version of their OS kernel for Windows 7?

In addition, there is no “one” flavor of Linux.  In fact, there are too many versions available, which has added nothing but confusion to the general market’s understanding of what Linux is, how it looks, how it operates, and what it feels like to use it.  Most likely, this diversity will increase, further fragmenting market perception.

Linux does have one major advantage, however - it is free. And that means that computer developers can add more to their profit margins, instead of paying license fees to Microsoft.  They would love it if Windows went away, and an OS that worked reliably, and which customers were willing to buy, was free.  And for that reason alone, expect to see more computer manufacturers embedding “instant on” Linux into their systems very soon.

Next in this series: “The Cloud”

Tags: Linux, operating systems, OS

Third in a six-part series

In Part One of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we focus on perhaps the most visible alternative to Microsoft Windows (which we covered in Part Two of this series).

Apple’s Mac OS X

Ask any Apple Macintosh computer user if they like their Mac - and watch as an almost rapturous look of sheer bliss washes over their face.  Apple has garnered a fanatical following of loyal users - and the Mac OS X (also known by it’s code name “Leopard”), is one of the principal reasons.

Because Apple builds their hardware, and can restrict the kinds of upgrades and deviations from factory-shipped configurations, they can ensure a consistent user experience.  And OS X keeps that experience very friendly and pleasant-looking.  Many users say that it is clearly a superior computer operating system, especially when compared to Microsoft’s Windows.

And yet, Apple has deliberately restricted the use of OS X to Apple-manufactured hardware only.  Even though the current flock of Apple machines use the same Intel chips as other computer brands which run Windows, Apple steadfastly refuses to provide OS X to non-Apple hardware users.  Apple likes its happy, closed architecture, and wants to keep it that way.

Some upstart companies have tried to force a chink in Apple’s architecture, however.  Most recently, a small start-up company called Psystar began selling generic Intel-based computers with a hacked version of the Mac OS X operating system earlier this year.  Apple sued Psystar, as expected - but now Psystar has begun to fight back, filing a countersuit of their own.

Most legal experts agree that Psystar does not have a strong case against Apple.  But the legal battle might have some significant implications.

• For example, if Psystar were to prevail, then Apple would likely have to  offer OS X for non-Apple hardware, or find business partners willing to do so on their behalf.  That could become a very significant threat to Microsoft’s Windows share.
• Or, even if Apple wins, it might help them to recognize a weakness in Microsoft’s market share fortress, as that company struggles to move past XP, make Vista more palatable, and finish Windows 7 - and Apple could move aggressively to grab OS market share on their own.

Most industry analysts agree, however, that Apple will likely continue to remain ensconced in their current exclusive, closed hardware/OS architecture - much to the chagrin of non-Apple hardware users that secretly envy OS X.

Next in this series: Linux

Tags: Apple, Mac OS X

The tech blog Engadget issued a report about TrekStor’s new Wireless Soundbox, which connects decent quality speakers to your computer using a USB-connected wireless transmitter.

“OK, that’s cool”, you may be asking yourself, “but other than for entertainment value, why would salespeople care?”

Ever have to give a demonstration or presentation on your laptop computer that includes sound? Trying to use the tiny, tinny built-in speakers on most laptops is certainly less than impressive, if not outright ineffective.  And trying to connect your laptop to wired speakers or an external sound system is a pain, and more often than not, totally unreliable.

(Editor’s note: I often demonstrate e-learning applications that use sound extensively, and it’s always aggravating for my audience to have to strain to hear my laptop speakers - it just doesn’t work.)

With TrekStor’s solution, you just plug in a USB key, put a couple of these wireless speakers in the room, and away you go.  Perfect for making a good aural as well as visual impression on your customer.

According to TrekStor, you can connect up to 20 of the little speakers, up to about 50 feet away.  The audio streams over a  2.4GHz wireless connection.  Each speaker runs on 4 AA batteries, with individual volume controls.  The USB key and 2 speakers cost about US$75, with each additional speaker costing about $44.  The system will be available in October 2008.

Tags: TrekStor, USB wireless speakers, Wireless Soundbox

Second in a six-part series

In part one of this series, we defined what an operating system (OS) is, and speculated that changes in the most significant OS platforms could affect the way that salespeople do their jobs over the next few years. In this part, we focus on the most dominant OS in use worldwide today.

Microsoft Windows

The first thing to recognize about Windows is that there are several versions of this OS, which evolved over time as new variants and improvements were developed by Microsoft.

XP

First introduced in 2001, and still the most commonly used version of Windows with over 70 percent of all personal computers running it today, XP has been very stable and very familiar to nearly all computer-using salespeople for years.  XP comes in two flavors itself - XP Home and XP Professional, with more robust network and security functionality in the Professional version.

Microsoft officially stopped new retail sales of XP on June 30th 2008, although it will continue to support XP through April of 2014.  Microsoft did this so it could concentrate more development effort on the latest version of Windows, which they dubbed Vista, and also on the next planned version of Windows, currently called version 7, which is expected to be released in 2010.

Even though XP is not officially available for retail sale, XP Home is still available for small systems.  The fast-growing ultra-portable market of lightweight computers, designed for browsing the Internet and simpler computing tasks, is a customer segment that Microsoft does not want to lose, and only XP Home is compact enough to fit on these smaller machines - so Microsoft makes an exception for these devices.  This is largely a defensive move to keep upstart “lighter” OS alternatives, such as Linux, from gaining a beachhead in the OS market share war.

In addition, many computer makers will sell XP to purchasers of new hardware, at the customer’s request.  They can do this by using the “downgrade right” provision of the Windows Vista OS license agreement.  Essentially, to get XP in a new computer today, you have to buy Vista, and then “downgrade” it to XP, which means you pay an additional premium for XP.  This also keeps Microsoft happy, because they can continue to count the sale as a new purchase of Vista, even if the customer never intends to ever run it.  This is, of course, a completely artificial maneuver designed solely to inflate Vista’s market share.  According to recent surveys of new computer users, almost one-third of Vista purchasers exercise the downgrade right and install good old XP instead.

Vista

So, what’s wrong with Vista?  Well, that is a matter of opinion.

Many people use Vista and think it’s just fine.  Vista takes advantage of the latest improvements in computer hardware to provide a better graphical interface, and generally faster performance.  In fact, over 180 million copies of Vista have been sold.

However, a significant number of users have reported all sorts of problems with Vista. This is a result of several factors:

• Microsoft released a bewildering array of Vista upgrade and new installation versions, confusing potential buyers as to which edition they should use
• Possibly under pressure from Intel and other component manufacturers, Microsoft approved certain hardware configurations as “Vista capable” - which was technically accurate, but not very practical - some of the lower-end configurations just didn’t have the processing power to run Vista at an acceptable level of performance
• Many third-party hardware developers were too slow to complete drivers to support Vista with their devices, which meant that some users could no longer use certain printers, disk drives, or other hardware after they upgraded to Vista
• No “wow” - the biggest “cool factor” for Vista is the Aero Glass feature - an upgraded user interface that takes advantage of advanced computer graphics - the problem is that it takes advanced computer graphics to run it, and many older machines just don’t have the power to do it - so, these users just get a flat-looking XP-like user interface - yawn.

Recognizing that the initial reaction to Vista has been mixed, at best, Microsoft has stepped up its marketing efforts to try and re-engineer public perception.  For example, Microsoft recently published a new website publicizing their “Mohave Experiment“, in which they showed unsuspecting computer users an “upcoming new release of Windows.”  The users’ reactions were generally very positive.  Only then did Microsoft reveal that the “new Windows” was instead the current version of Vista.  Although obviously manipulative, the point of this exercise was to prove that Vista only has a perception problem, not one based in fact.

Critics suggest, however, that the “Mohave Experiment” proved little.  The demonstration did not show the participants any of Vista’s problems with installation, drivers, or hardware limitations.  Naturally, Microsoft focused solely on the positive advances of Vista.  But no one doubts that Vista operates very well on an optimum configuration of high-end hardware - it is with less perfect configurations that users have had trouble.

But Microsoft is soldiering on - they recently signed comedian Jerry Seinfeld as the new spokesman for Vista, as part of a US$300 million public relations makeover. No matter how much money Microsoft plows into making Vista look good, in the end, it is the user experience which will define the operating systems’ legacy.  And that has been a mixed bag, so far.  Perhaps that is why Microsoft’s leaders have started touting Windows 7, the new version now under development, as the next “big thing”.

Windows 7

In May 2008, Microsoft’s leaders previewed some of the features of the next generation of the Windows OS, currently called version 7.  Expected in 2010, Windows 7 will include support for multi-touch screen interfaces - think iPhone but with larger computer screens.  Microsoft previously showed similar technology in its “Surface” interface experiment, which showed how a large tabletop could be turned into a useful computer-driven experience.

Video: Multi-Touch in Windows 7

Microsoft’s Windows 7 engineering team, a group reportedly with more than a thousand people dedicated to the massive development project, recently opened a blog to share reports and ideas about their progress with the new OS.

While Microsoft has provided a few glimpses of Windows 7, in truth, no one really has a clear picture yet of what the operating system will look or feel like yet.  But Microsoft is betting a lot on the next-gen version - and competitors know that if Windows 7 stumbles in the marketplace, they will have a clear opportunity to step in and seize a respectable share of computer users away from Windows’ dominance.

Windows Mobile

We would be remiss if we did not also mention Windows Mobile - a version of the OS that is designed to run on hand-held devices, such as mobile phones.

Microsoft enjoys a healthy 13% of the smartphone market worldwide, and has shipped more than 18 million licenses on a wide variety of hand-held devices.

The next version of Windows Mobile, expected in 2009, is also expected to embrace a multi-touch interface similar to its bigger Windows 7 computer OS cousin.

Next in this series: Apple’s Mac OS X

Tags: Microsoft Windows, operating systems, OS, Vista, Windows 7, Windows Mobile, XP