What lessons did Windows Vista teach Microsoft? ComputerWorld is reporting Microsoft will keep the Windows 7 code name as the final product name for Windows OS destined to replace Vista. I suspect no one will be happier to turn the page on Vista than Microsoft. To say Microsoft's seen better days in the eyes of their OS customers would be a gross understatement. The obvious question is what is Microsoft doing to avoid a repeat of Vista so Windows 7 doesn't fall flat again. A simple name change certainly won't turn around the perception of the entire market. I can tell you what things didn't make Vista a winner in the marketplace. Here's my tongue-in-cheek look at what Microsoft shouldn't do to make Windows 7 a success.

What Didn't Work

1. Better security. As much as we all have bashed Microsoft for security flaws in their software, a redesigned, more secure Windows Vista kernel wasn't in the end enough to get businesses or users to flip from Windows XP to Vista. That's proof positive that good enough security trumps better security. Claiming Windows 7 is more secure than Windows Vista or XP won't make Windows 7 a success.

2. Lipstick On A Pig. Vista's redesigned interface in many ways was simply an overlay on top of existing Windows XP configuration settings. Rather than making it easier to use, it meant Windows knowledgeable users had to learn a new layer just to get to the same underlying functionality already existing in Windows XP. Why take the overpass when the freeway will get you to the same destination, faster.

3. 3D User Interface. Vista's Aero interface features and transparency added a cool, glossy look but in the end didn't materially improve the end user's experience. For many users it slowed down the user interface, making Vista seem slower than the older Windows XP running on older hardware. More proof that iCandy alone won't make users switch.

4. Letting Apple Dis You One Commercial At A Time. Like that yapping terrier next door, Apple just kept coming and coming at Microsoft, attacking each new flaw and imperfection in Vista. Eventually, like enduring the marketing equivalent of water torture, we all just gave in, encouraging Apple and making their "I'm a Mac" commercials just that much more enjoyable. Time for Microsoft to learn the art of smack down and not let Apple paint Windows 7 in the next Vista corner, which you ...know... they just can't wait to do.