Users weigh merits of 'Windows Lite'

March 1, 2004 (Computerworld) Microsoft Corp. said the "tailored and limited" language-specific version of Windows XP Home edition that it plans to offer in Thailand is currently the only one of its kind.
But what's happening in Southeast Asia has been catching the attention of analysts and PC users in other parts of the world. Interest started to develop last year, when Microsoft began offering a Thai-language version of Windows XP Home and Office Standard Edition for about $38 to people who had ordered budget-priced Linux-based PCs under a Thai government program.
"It seems like the first solid, direct 'give the customers what they want' from Microsoft," said Bob Crownhart, director of IT infrastructure at Premera Blue Cross in Mountlake Terrace, Wash.
"We run 600 store registers on Windows. Any lighter Windows OS would be a financial and operational blessing," said Tom Pane, a vice president of technology at New York-based AnnTaylor Stores Corp.
Beyond Thailand
Gartner Inc. predicted that the Thai government's drive for low-cost PCs will have ramifications beyond Thailand. The Stamford, Conn.-based research firm said Microsoft will likely provide more competitive pricing globally, with at least a 50% price reduction in emerging markets. Several other governments contacted Gartner expressing interest in crafting programs similar to the Thai project, the firm said.
Microsoft said it was unable to provide a spokesman for comment. In a prepared response, Matt Pilla, a senior product manager, said the Thai edition of the Windows XP that's under development is geared toward first-time computer users.

Zeke Duge, CIO at Smart & Final Stores Corp.

Pilla didn't address plans for other countries, stating only that "we are committed to continuing to work with governments all over the world on programs and initiatives that address their specific challenges and meet the needs of their consumers."
One IT manager at a financial services company who asked not to be named said he doesn't like the idea that his company "is subsidizing a foreign country's initiative."
The IT manager said his company would consider lighter versions of both Windows and Office with functionality specifically for business use, since Microsoft has blended "so many nonbusiness applications/services into the product that it creates too many support issues."
The vast majority of 20 North America-based corporate users randomly polled by Computerworld over the past two weeks said they think Windows and Office are overpriced. Their answers varied widely when asked what a more appropriate price would be. Responses were in the range of $30 to $150 for Windows and $75 to $200 for Office.
But users were mixed on whether they would like the option of having lighter versions of Windows and Office. And there was no consensus among those who favored a lighter option on the functionality they would like to see removed.
"I'd much rather see a stripped-down Office than XP. There are more features and functions in the base Office products than anyone can possibly use, yet we still carry all the overhead, cost and space for the full-featured products," said Charles Emery, senior vice president and CIO at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey in Newark.
"It's gotten out of control. It's sort of the SUV of common software," said Zeke Duge, CIO at Smart & Final Stores Corp. in Commerce, Calif. "It's big. It's clunky. It uses a lot of resources. I think I'd rather have a sports car."
Bill Lewkowski, CIO at Metropolitan Health Corp. in Grand Rapids, Mich., said his company isn't taking advantage of all of the Office features, "nor do we see reasons for a lot of what it offers."
"They keep coming up with solutions that we're still trying to find problems for," Lewkowski said. He said he's concerned about Microsoft's tendency to link productivity capabilities in its desktop software with its server-based products.
"All of that may have its place and value, but it's too expensive," he said. "Eighty percent of our effort should be on the core applications that run our business, and Microsoft is not at the core of the applications that run our business."
Turning to a lighter version of Windows or Office might present challenges for companies that want to maintain a consistent desktop, since it would likely not be appropriate for all users.
"I would be skeptical that a 'Windows lite' would be practical in larger organizations," said Brad Jacobson, an operating systems engineer at Wells Fargo Financial Inc. in Des Moines. "Standardization is almost essential, and any loss of functionality would most likely impact various users and requirements."