Vista delay positive for AAPL

Senior analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray today published a research note regarding Microsoft's decision to delay its Windows Vista launch, outlining the expected impacts on involved parties. "Vista promises to incorporate a simplified, enriched consumer experience, which is the hallmark of the Mac operating systems. Therefore, we view delays in Vista as a fractional near-term positive for Apple," Munster said. The analyst believes Vista's delay will potentially result in a 5 percent negative impact on December 2006 revenue and earnings estimates for Microsoft. Munster notes, however, that the impact will likely be short lived. "Unlike other software companies' product launches, Microsoft products tend to have slow uptakes, with a steady ramp lasting up to two years. A two month slip in a product does not have a long-term impact on Microsoft's business model."

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