MS Kicks Off Massive XP Ad Campaign

Windows XP may be approaching its fourth birthday, but that is of little concern to Microsoft as it today kicks off one its largest and longest running marketing campaigns to promote the operating system. The 15-month advertising blitz will encourage users across the globe to "Start Something" using Windows XP.

Using a total of 51 television spots, 39 print ads and 250 online ads across the globe, Microsoft will tout the hundreds of thousands of software applications and devices designed for Windows XP. The goal, says Microsoft, is to demonstrate how Windows opens the door to a wide range of activities.

All advertisements will direct consumers to a Flash-based Windows.com, where they can find downloads and hardware from Microsoft partners across a number of interests. The campaign will showcase 13 themes spanning education, science, music, sports, family and life management, gaming, photography, cooking, travel, and more.

Microsoft also posted a teaser video at StartSomethingPC.com, which says, "It's time to start something inspired."

"Windows has evolved to integrate a wide range of applications, services and hardware in a way that has become familiar and expected as part of everyday life for millions of people around the world," said Will Poole, senior vice president of Windows Client at Microsoft. "We hope that people will be inspired to experience the endless possibilities available in the Windows ecosystem."

The marketing push comes as Microsoft endeavors to finish its next-generation Windows release known as Longhorn, which is over a year and a half away. Developers will get a preview of the new operating system at WinHEC 2005 next week, with Longhorn Beta 1 slated for a fall debut.

Apple, meanwhile, is using the long wait until Longhorn to promote its next-generation Mac OS X release known as Tiger. Tiger, or Mac OS X version 10.4, will go on sale starting April 29.