In the software equivalent of "different strokes for different folks," Microsoft has announced that the lineup of its long-awaited new version of Windows, Windows Vista, will comprise six different versions: 3 are for consumers, 2 for the enterprise, and the sixth is a stripped-down version aimed at fighting off pirate editions in emerging markets.

“Windows Vista is going to be a significant release for all Windows customers - including enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses as well as consumers,” said Al Gillen, research director for System Software at IDC. “Microsoft’s strategy to address different customer segments with versions of Windows Vista optimized for their needs should be well received by these diverse user segments,” he added.

The three new consumer editions are to be named Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premiun, and Windows Vista Ultimate, the last-named being the version the edition of Windows Vista that, as Microsoft expresses it, "has it all."

Business customers will be able to choose between Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Enterprise, while Windows Vista Starter will be the edition for those in emerging markets. Microsoft describes the new product as follows:

"Windows Vista Starter is designed to empower families and entry-level PC users in these markets to experience the world of social and educational benefits that personal computer technology and the Internet makes possible. A 32-bit operating system designed specifically for lower-cost computers, Windows Vista Starter enables popular beginner PC activities and provides an easy-to-use and more affordable entry point to the Windows Vista family of products."

The company stressed that number of offerings — six — is the same as the number of offerings currently available for Windows XP. More important, Microsoft emphasized that the new  lineup is designed to deliver clear value to a broad range of customers, with each product tailored to meet specific needs of various segments of customers — home PC users, small and medium-sized businesses and the largest enterprises — and is aimed at bringing 64-bit, Media Center and Tablet PC functionality into the mainstream.