On Jan. 30, Microsoft Corp. will release new versions of Windows and Office to the general public -- and businesses will be able to profit from new functions of the software bought by their customers.

While businesses seem likely to show caution before adopting Windows Vista and Office 2007, which was released for them two months ago, consumers should be more of a push-over for Microsoft, the products being preinstalled on the majority of PCs bought in stores (and let's not forget the coupons allowing people to opt for those products that were supplied with PCs bought before Christmas). The worldwide release to the general public of these two new products will take place on Jan. 30 and, for the first time, it will be possible, initially in North America, to buy a Microsoft product by downloading it.

Businesses that target the general public with a software application, like a widget, will soon be able to benefit from new features in Vista and Office 2007. It's probably too early to do the same thing with a vertical application, unless it's an in-house application custom-developed for the applications it will work with.

The French National Railway targets consumers with its widget

The French National Railway Company (SNCF) decided to profit from the launch of Vista and Office 2007 to promote its services. The rail operator asked marketing agency FullSix to develop a widget for it around the theme "TGV and me," to accompany its high-speed train brand, with the intention of developing widgets for other target markets later.