Early and Mixed Reviews of Microsoft Vista and Office 2007

As the business and personal software leader prepares to launch its long-awaited new operating system and Office suite, information technology industry analysts predict how the new technology will affect jobs, data management, and business trends.

Overdue Technology

Called "the most important operating system since Windows 95" by information technology publications, Microsoft's latest contribution to the software industry represents the technology leader's biggest part of its bottom line. Windows Vista debut along with a new version of Microsoft Office. In addition to improved capabilities, Vista will offer an enhanced security application.

So, what does it all mean? The information technology industry has changed a lot in the years since Microsoft's last operating system was released, and many jobs in information technology have begun to require skills and functionality that the current Microsoft operating system does not support. Vista could change everything.

Early Users Perplexed, Impressed

The early reviews of the new Office suite have been mixed, as different information technology firms have had the chance at a sneak preview. Some call it overly complicated. Others say it improves productivity, and will expand jobs in information technology to include added functionality. Office 2007 exposes features hidden in Office 2003, like tools for email and data management.

Other dissenters in the information technology industry support alternatives to Office, like Open Office, a free, web-based replacement for the industry juggernaut. Some industry experts say that jobs in information technology depend on industry leaders' software, and because Microsoft is not a leader in internet technology, some IT jobs may face difficulty using the new Office 2007.

Whether the impact of Microsoft's new technology is positive or negative, it's safe to say that more IT jobs will be affected by it than by changes made by other technology companies. As always, Microsoft training and certifications will keep you up to date.

Sources
Bloomberg
CRN