However, there is nothing more difficult for Microsoft than replicating previous successes. It’s true, to control 90 percent of the PC market is something, but most users continue to rely on XP, the almost ten-year veteran. Vista, which was meant to replace XP, did not lead to a massive migration of consumers. It was companies in particular that were reluctant to migrate towards Vista, because XP offers basic functions without needing other, faster computers, as Vista does. So now, Windows 7 has the mission of attracting those who will finally abandon XP and Vista.
Things become complicated for Windows 7 if we consider the black market. Pirated versions of XP and Vista flooded the market. Small and inexpensive laptops especially, also called netbooks, sell with an open source operating system, on which one can later install a pirated XP. Thus, Windows 7 must also regain a large share of what was lost in favour of the black market.
Aware of the challenge, Microsoft is willing to spend a significant marketing budget. In Romania, this is the largest budget in the history of this company.
