Q:

Now that Windows 7 has been around could you provide me with good reasons to convince some doubtful clients I have who are still reluctant to switch from XP.

A:

You're in luck! Because Windows 7 has been out for six months and we've been promoting it for almost a year, both Technet (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx) and the Partner Learning Center (https://training.partner.microsoft.com) have hundreds of hours of Windows 7 training available - choose the topic...

In regard to your specific query; that is tough to answer because of the generic "reluctant to switch from XP" objection. We normally respond to the generic question with a generic answer:

• Windows 7 Works the Way You Want,
• Safeguards Your Work, and
• Helps You Get More Done.

To go further, you must determine exactly why they are reluctant to switch - given specific barriers, we have specific answers with Windows 7. We designed Windows 7 to address the objections customers and partners had around Windows Vista. The top five objections that I've heard include:

• Application Compatibility - Windows 7 includes improved application compatibility tools including Windows XP Mode
• Performance, Stability, and Device Compatibility - the 3rd party device drivers for Windows 7 are based on three years of Windows Vista tuning experience
• Frustrations Over the New Interface - We've continued to tune the interface with Aero and Pinning to streamline use
• Not Enough New Value - We've enhanced built-in tools like Search, Management, and Troubleshooting and download tools like Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, and Windows Mail.
• User Account Control is Too Intrusive - Windows 7 still has UAC because it has delivered a drop in spyware on Windows Vista compared to Windows XP; but UAC is now adjustable and can be controlled with Group Policies

Steve