Microsoft’s “Windows. Life Without Walls” marketing campaign shifts focus away from any particular operating system back to master brand—uberbrand, if you like—Windows. In past branding talks with Microsoft executives, Windows was emphasized as being a hugely recognizable brand. It’s a reason, perhaps the only one, that “Windows” precedes so many Live services or that Windows Live replaced so many MSN products and services.
But Microsoft has a problem with bloggers, competitors, critics, enthusiasts and journalists. The majority tend to use shorthand. Windows gets dropped from XP or Vista. The brand impact diminishes. Vista isn’t the same as Windows Vista.
Full Article – http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/windows_7/theres_a_reason_for_windows_7s_name.html?kc=MWRSS02129TX1K0000535
