While Microsoft is planning a range of activities, including online campaigns and partnerships with associations to reach the small business audience, developing ready-to-go bundles is a critical activity, according to Microsoft Australia small business director Therese McGrath.

"Small business buyers still like to go into a retailer," McGrath said.

Pre-bundled PCs may also avoid one of the more common criticisms of Vista: problems with drivers for older hardware.

McGrath said the small business marketing strategy was deliberately designed to follow on from the mainstream Vista launch activities which kick off with the retail launch of Vista on January 30, which will initially appeal more to hardcore PC enthusiasts.

Small businesses would require more persuasion than that group, McGrath predicted. "Most small businesses are either minimalists or pragmatists."

A key selling point for smaller operators would be the increased security and stability of the Vista code base, McGrath said, although the new Aero interface would also offer productivity benefits. "The power of the graphics is a huge value proposition." Businesses also wanted to be able to streamline their processes, she said.
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