Can PR Get Any Better (or Worse) Than This?

The European Commission is not too keen on Microsoft’s decision to bundle its firewall and Security Center into Windows Vista. Guess that explains why Microsoft officials are on a press tour this week, making sure journalists know that Microsoft has decided (as of Vista Release Candidate 1) to make Windows Defender an OEM- and user-selectable option, rather than a must-install, bundled component. Then, Microsoft really makes sure to hammer home its message, by touting an IDC study — which Microsoft commissioned – which claims the release of Vista will drive $40 billion in economic activity and create 100,000 new jobs in European countries next year. Now that’s a one-two PR punch! (Note: This item was updated to correct a reference to “Windows Firewall,” rather than “Windows Defender.”)