In store staff to promote ailing OS.
Microsoft is hiring staff to act as Vista gurus in retail stores overseas as part of its US$300 million push to promote the operating system.
The 155 new staff will be found in Best Buy, Circuit City and other retail outlets and will run demonstrations and answer customer questions about Vista, which is suffering from poor sales.
“Microsoft technologies inspire millions of people every day, and we're just getting started. If you’re interested in harnessing your knowledge and passion in order to make buying a PC an even better experience at retail, we'd love to hear from you,” the job adverts read.
The gurus will be paid over US$20 per hours, which is a very good rate for such jobs. While it isn’t the first time Microsoft has tried such tactics, and it is not alone in doing so.
Apple has its Genius Bars located in many Apple stores which perform much the same function and other manufacturers regularly train and incentivize staff in stores to push their products.
The new staff will be placed in stores shortly, across eleven states.
“We must deliver a world-class shopping experience that aligns with the brand promise and our online presence,” said Bill Veghte, senior vice president of Online Services and Windows Business Group.
“That is why we are working with our key retail partners to make the process of evaluating, selecting and purchasing PCs with Windows as simple and informative as possible.”