Windows XP gets lukewarm response

Shweta Sharma

NEW DELHI: Microsoft's Windows XP launch attracted rave reviews in India. In

the span of a fortnight, since its launch in the country on October 25, various

events were organized to woo customers. But the end users don't seem to be too

enthusiastic towards the new offerings.

According to a Microsoft spokesperson, "It is too early to share India

specific numbers. Some indication on international momentum is ebullient.

Windows XP has sold seven million copies since its introduction two weeks ago,

making it the fastest ramp-up of any new Microsoft OS."

The channel has a different story to tell--mere 70 copies of Windows XP were

sold after the initial launch. Softmart Solutions CEO Alok Gupta said, "It

is a very damp reaction from the end user. I had procured 10 copies of Windows

XP and have been able to sell only three copies out of them. Already the market

is feeble and it will take sometime to revive. With time the sale might pick up.

But I do not see a sudden surge in sales of Windows XP."

However, Trifin Technologies director Ashish Agarwal is more upbeat about the

product. Through his retail outlet, so far he has been able to sell 15 copies to

the end users, mostly the home version. "After Windows 98, this is the

product which is attracting a lot of attention. So far the actual sales are

less, but I am optimistic that it will grow with time." He has also sold

around 30 copies to his channel partners. "We should be able to sell 150

copies by the end of this month," he added.

Market is attributing escalated sales to the gradual education of the end

user and the OEMs introducing Windows XP loaded machines.