Microsoft is planning six versions of the next incarnation of its Windows operating system. Three versions of Vista, will be for home users, two will be for businesses and one will be for emerging markets.

1. Vista Business edition
2. Vista Enterprise edition
3. Vista Home Basic edition
4. Vista Home Premium edition
5. Vista Ultimate edition
6. Vista Starter edition

The Enterprise version of Vista will have all of the features in the basic version and add improved encryption including a BitLocker system that will stop confidential data being viewed if a computer is lost or stolen. The Home Basic version is intended for those who only want to use their PC to browse the net, use e-mail and create and edit basic documents. It will also include desktop search and security tools. Vista Home Premium includes everything in the Basic version and adds the new graphical interface called Aero. The Starter edition is a streamlined version intended for low powered PCs found in many developing nations. Also available will be versions made specifically for Europe that, in accordance with an EU mandate, remove the Windows media player. Appearently one of the home versions of Vista will include features that let users store and play back TV shows ala Windows MCE.

A Microsoft representative pointed out that Windows XP, is available in six different versions; though most of these are tuned for the different types of hardware, such as a Tablet PC, people are using. By contrast Vista versions are organised by what people plan to do with their computer.

“We don’t want customers to be forced into buying something that isn’t going to meet all their needs,”

said Barry Goffe, Microsoft’s director of Windows client product management.
Well it seems that optimism remains intact at Redmond even if it is one of the few weaning places left for Microsoft.

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