Opposite the values and offers extended to Windows Vista Ultimate users Reller responded:
Reller: A couple of things: One is that obviously, some of the launch party kits did reach a number of our enthusiasts and some of our strongest enthusiasts, who would have been Ultimate users. A number of our Ultimate customers did take advantage of the Pro offer. There will be some interesting deals from OEMs and through our retailers to come. So it's definitely our goal to make sure that our Ultimate, enthusiast customers find a great path to Windows 7.
My... could she have answered any more poorly?
Regardless of how I personally feel about Vista Ultimate and its real value independent of "extras" I must state as clearly as possible that Microsoft put the stones to Vista Ultimate users. As if all previous mistakes weren't bad enough, the company rubbed huge amounts of salt into a wound they inflicted by failing to address how many Ultimate users viewed the issue as upgrade offers were presented for Windows 7. The company literally dumped on Ultimate users when they needed to do the exact opposite and ensure all Vista Ultimate users were given FREE copies of Windows 7 Ultimate and other incentives. The company missed a huge opportunity to show some class and grace towards their most vocal supporters. I know this seems to contradict my earlier positions, but it has to - Microsoft took a giant dump on the heads of enthusiasts. That is not only stupid, it shows a lack of class. I hope it reflects a certain level of tone deafness rather than indifference, but candidly, I think it is the latter. They need to go look in a mirror over this one and borrow some stones if they have to and step up and do the right thing.
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