The other problem, as you know, is that I’m a stickler for logic and consistency. So why does MAPS include InfoPath, Live Communications Server, System Center Data Protection Manager, and Exchange Enterprise (not anymore, but it used to)? I’d happily give back all of those in Exchange for Vista Enterprise.

Oh, and by the way, I’ve personally have NEVER advocated for inclusion of Ultimate in MAPS. Once I learned that we’re not allowed to use MAPS software for the computers in our living rooms, I was no longer interested in Ultimate.

I don’t understand the need for Ultimate and Enterprise versions for MAPS, I really do not. I’m not going to guess your business segment but can you honestly say that more than even 50% of your customer base is on the Enterprise-level platform?

The one feature that everyone brings up is bitlocker, like its the be-all, end-all of Vista security and without it not a single copy would move. Given that most consultants field machines are destructive by nature, as they are constantly reloaded to give the latest demo pieces, is it absolutely critical for this feature to be present on the laptop to the point that the business owner – without seeing it live on your laptop – would fail to see the need for disk based encryption? Or is it a perception “Hey, if David isn’t using it, it must not be needed” thats a show stopper.

What I fail to understand is why there is such a strong push by the partners that focus in SMB to get the enterprise level tools when I’m constantly hearing about the injustice of overpriced Microsoft software. So we need a $4,000 OS in MAPS but can’t sell a $600 server with a 3 year SA spread payments?

I guess what I’m trying to get from you is the answer to this: If you do not focus in a segment with a major need for enterprise software, why should you be extended access to enterprise software?

-Vlad