Due to the well done marketing research Microsoft has reached the conclusion that users expect more out of their PC performance. In order to encounter their expectations Microsoft has came up with six new different versions for the PC operating system Vista including versions for business, home and a low-priced edition for the developing countries.

The information came out in the open last week, unofficial and on Monday Microsoft has confirmed it.

Vista Home edition divides in Home Basic and Home Premium. While the Basic version lacks some key features like the new and improved Aero Glass interface, the Premium version includes the Windows Media Center functionality, support for Tablet PC and integrated DVD burning. Search along the operating system and instant access to all documents are features which the users can take advantage of.

Based on the Windows XP Professional, the Microsoft Vista Business is supposed to satisfy the needs of the business involved PC users. Though the similarities to the actual XP Professional are obvious like networking and group policy support, it also provides the user with the new Aero interface, a new search engine, fax and scanning software. This time the help menus are easier to understand.

Especially created for Microsoft’s Software Assurance customers and built on Vista Business, the Enterprise edition offers more functionality. Multi-language user interface support, VirtualPC and Services for UNIX are just some of the characteristics of Vista Enterprise.

Still under secrecy, the Vista Ultimate combines Vista Premium and Enterprise. This “hybrid� version of Vista is supposed to be characterized by an even greater functionality.

Windows Vista Starter is to be launched only in developing countries like Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia. It will not be sold in European countries or United States markets. If the other Vista versions can run in 64-bit mode, Starter runs only in 32-bit mode.

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The wide range of versions for Vista is considered to be an easier way out for Microsoft’s hardware partners giving them more flexibility.

Though prices have not been announced yet, it is already known that the Basic, Premium, Ultimate and Business editions will be available at retail and on new PC’s. Also, the price for Enterprise is expected to be higher than what Windows XP Professional at the time of launch.

It is also said that all these Vista versions will confuse the customer which will not have a positive impact on Microsoft’s sales. Predicitions have been made, the outcome is yet to be seen.