(Column) - Lately, I’ve been noticing a discouraging trend from Microsoft, the company’s disrespectful attitude towards its customers, which quite frankly is pitiful. I’m sure you can recall a few instances yourself, but ever since Windows Vista has made headlines due to shipment delays, the software maker has become too blunt with its customers. I, for one, don’t appreciate this almighty attitude from a company that I support financially.

Every time a launch date is mentioned, whether it’s directly from Microsoft or from other sources, such as research reports from analysts, Microsoft is quick to announce the company’s plan to push back Vista if problems arise. The software giant is basically opting for ultimate quality this time around. While it’s encouraging to see Microsoft focus on quality as the determinant factor, they don’t have the right to give us an attitude about it. From project managers to C-level executives, all of them are ready to delay Vista without consideration.

It’s not our fault Vista is not on track, and it’s not our fault you (i.e. Microsoft) couldn’t structure the project responsibly. I believe all of us can see your frustration, since the first question anyone asks is the official shipment date on Vista, but keep your frustrations to yourself. We are not obligated to purchase Vista, if you haven’t realized that yet.

In addition to being downright rude and thinking of your customers as fools, let me remind you that you are not doing us a favor by releasing Vista. It all boils down to your bottom line, which you must protect to be able to exist.

Oh and the age old excuse you have been using for the past couple of years (you know, the stance on quality), that doesn’t fly with anyone. Vista will be attacked beyond your imagination on the day it’s released. Virus writers and crackers are working full time to sabotage the so-called revolution of operating systems. That’s not to say you should release an unfinished product with security holes, but its clear there’s more to the equation than what meets the eye.

Knowing Microsoft, they couldn’t be seriously delaying the product one date after another just so they can improve its quality. There must be an underlying factor that’s causing the delay, or else they would have never had to cut out so many next-generation features that the company originally promised. Therefore, I must request that Microsoft gets back on track, treat its customers with respect and work on Vista feverishly to meet the deadline. I hear RC1 isn’t so hot based on initial reactions. You have a lot of work ahead of you before you can politely expect us to pay for the retail versions.