How would you market Windows 7?

By Emil Protalinski

This week, Microsoft posted two job requests relating to Windows on their careers website. The first is for a technical writer who is interested in helping out millions of Microsoft customers via the Windows Consumer Content Team by writing "friendly, accurate responses for customers to see when a problem occurs on their computer. We write helpful responses for issues that offer information about how to fix, troubleshoot, or avoid an error in Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7."

The second one is slightly more interesting. Microsoft is looking for a marketing manager for Vista's successor. It's worth noting that Microsoft started looking for a Windows 7 PR Manager about six months ago to start hyping up the product before it's even ready via blogs and other web content. A marketing manager would solely be promoting the finished product. Here's what Redmond is looking for:

We are looking for an experienced marketer to help launch, develop and drive key consumer marketing programs for Windows 7. In this core product marketing role on the Windows 7 consumer marketing team you will lead a cross discipline v-team and develop and execute programs in alignment with the marketing strategy. Key components of the initiative include:

• Capture the consumer's imagination and spark desire for Windows 7
• Build confidence in the Windows brand
• Establish an understanding of the Windows 7 benefits
• Spark positive recommendations for Windows 7
• Deliver on the brand promise of compatibility

This specific role will lead three key aspects of Windows 7 launch and sustain marketing:

• Develop, own end-to-end, and drive key marketing programs including an advocacy plan - a key pillar to our strategy
• Establish the engine and rhythm for the consumer launch including project management across the 20 v-teams to insure accountability, consistency and world class marketing
• Manage pre-release marketing

If you've ever wanted to influence how we bring a world class product like Windows 7 to market in the consumer space this is your chance.
We are looking for a senior experienced marketing professional to provide leadership among cross functional teams and build out scale marketing programs which will significantly impact both consumer preference and business results for the Windows business. This will require having a breadth understanding of each discipline, strong interpersonal and influence skills, and strong execution skills.

I have no doubt that Microsoft will find someone up for the challenge, hopefully someone who can keep the media talking positively. Before Microsoft unveils its campaign though (Vista's was "The wow starts now"), I'd like to ask you how you would market Windows 7. Got a brilliant campaign idea? Post it in the comments below.

Original here