[Tfug] Time to boycott Office Depot?

[Tim Colson]

<donning flame suit>

Maybe the Inquirer is stirring the muck a bit and MS didn't
say/force/behest anything to Office Depot. Maybe OD is a business that
sees a lot of unhappy customers and attempted returns of product that
doesn't work on the spiffy new XP systems average consumers just bought
from their shelves. Maybe OD just figures this is a simple way to try
and curb the losses from MyOldSoftwareThatBlewUpInXP scenario.

In other words, maybe there isn't anything nefarious going on... just an
attempt to prevent my relatives from calling me on the phone and asking,
"Why does MyBookThingy version 1.3 from 1987 for DOS blow up on my new
computer??? Computers are eeevil! Why do you worship the devil?"

I could say, "Uh... you've got XP Home, right? Does that software box
have a logo that says "built for XP"? It doesn't, eh? Then you shouldn't
expect it to work. Kind of like buying 3 studded wheels for a car that
has 5 studs. The wheels aren't evil - they just aren't made for your
car."

:-)

<donning extra layer of flame gear, with hood and goggles>

Timo


> -----Original Message-----
> From: tfug-admin@tfug.org [mailto:tfug-admin@tfug.org] On 
> Behalf Of Angus Scott-Fleming
> Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 8:15 AM
> To: tfug@tfug.org
> Subject: [Tfug] Time to boycott Office Depot?
> 
> 
> TheInquirer.net is reporting that Office Depot will no longer 
> carry ANY 
> computer products (software OR hardware) that haven't been 
> approved by 
> Microsoft. http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=8472
> 
> Is it time to start a letter-writing campaign?
> 
> Angus
> 
> 
> ------- Included Stuff Follows -------
> Office Depot Supply Memo
> Dear Office Depot Supplier,
> In October 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP, which has become the 
> fastest growing operating system in history. This operating system is 
> built on the dependable Windows 2000 code base, features a 
> fresh new look, 
> enables new personal computing experiences including easy 
> digital photo 
> and video tools, and fosters rich communications and enhanced 
> mobility. As 
> you know, applications and devices that meet or exceed Microsoft's 
> technical requirements will be awarded the Designed for 
> Windows XP logo 
> and be promoted in the Windows Catalog (www.windowscatalog.com).
> 
> Please be aware that Office Depot is immediately requiring 
> all products 
> that connect to a Personal Computer and Notebook Computer 
> must pass these 
> Designed for Windows XP logo requirements to be considered for retail 
> distribution through our stores. This change is being 
> implemented due to 
> our on-going pursuite to enhance and simplify our fanatical customer 
> service environment at Office Depot. Products must be certified as 
> Designed for Windows XP by May 30, 2003.
> 
> Additionally, it is critical that your packaging carry the 
> Designed for 
> Windows XP logo. With the Designed for Windows XP logo on 
> your product, 
> Office Depot will not only ensure the best user-experience 
> for our mutual 
> customers, but we also anticipate it will also result in 
> lower returns for 
> Office Depot and lower support costs for you.
> 
> For more information regarding the Designed for Windows Logo 
> requirement 
> and certification, please see www.windowslogo.com.
> 
> Please note that failure to obtain this certification by the 
> above date 
> will result in the product being eliminated from our Retail 
> assortment and 
> all open purchase orders canceled.
> 
> Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
> 
> Michael Dietrich
> Vice President Technology Merchandise Division
> Office Depot, Inc
> --------- Included Stuff Ends ---------
> 
> --
> Angus Scott-Fleming
> GeoApps, Tucson, Arizona
> http://www.geoapps.com/   
> 1-520-290-5038 / fax 1-208-248-3124
> +----------------------------------------------
> ----------+
> 
> 
> 
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