Opening Windows; XP ad spending slashed amid PC market weakness.(Microsoft marketing campaign for new operating system)(Brief Article)

Advertising Age, October, 2001 by Elkin, Tobi

Microsoft Corp.'s biggest product introduction since Windows 95, the next-generation operating system Windows XP, goes on sale Oct. 25, but those close to the software giant say ad and marketing spending to support the global launch has been pared from the original $1 billion pledged.

Insiders and industry analysts estimate as much as a third or more has been trimmed, though previously planned spending levels could resume next year. Microsoft had committed $200 million, while an estimated $800 million was earmarked via co-op dollars from Intel Corp., Compaq Computer Corp., Dell Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co. and others.

While Windows XP is positioned as the biggest change to computing since Windows 95, economic pressures following the terrorist...

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