Alice Marshall has posted a great analyst quote on Microsoft’s decision that it will only fix a security problem with Internet Explorer on Windows XP:
“It’s a problem that people should have to pay for a whole OS upgrade to get a safe browser,” said Michael Cherry, analyst with Directions on Microsoft in Redmond, Wash.
In effect they are saying that if you are one of the millions of users running previous versions of Windows, tough, buy a new computer that will run Windows XP, pay for a new copy of Windows and then we’ll give you a (probably temporary) secure browser.
Now I use Microsoft’s products, I admire the company in many ways but this is an un-wise move on their behalf.
It’s the equivalent of Ford saying that they’re only fixing the braking problems on the latest model… I don’t think so. If your product is found to be flawed and you have charged people good money for the product then it is your responsibility to fix the problem.
To ignore your customers is poor public relations and could even be mistaken for arrogance.
Murphy's Law 