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The Microsoft Windows Sidebar is a new feature of Windows Vista that enables the useof gadgets. Gadgets are cool little mini-applications, which allow users fast accessto information from applications, the Internet, and utilities. Users are allowed toconfigure these gadgets on their sidebar and desktop according to a user'spersonalized preferences. The sidebar comes turned on by default on most newcomputers being shipped now, and allows for extremely easy sidebar gadgetinstallation by users from the Windows Live Gallery website.
In addition, these mini-applications can connect to web services to deliver businessdata, weather information, news updates, traffic maps, Internet radio streams, stocktickers and even slide shows. Gadgets can also integrate with other programs toprovide streamlined interaction. For example, a gadget can give you an at-a-glanceview of all your online instant messaging contacts, the day view from your calendar,or an easy way to control your media player. Gadgets can also have any number ofdedicated purposes. They can be calculators, games, sticky notes, and more. Peoplewant gadgets on their new Windows Vista side bar because they are convenient andfun.
Microsoft VistaÂ's sales projectionsMicrosoft expects to sell between 80 and 120 million copies of Vista in its firstyear alone, according to the editor at Extreme Tech. He states, "Even if theMicrosoftÂ's estimates are way off, it's clear that at least tens of millions ofusers will start up their PCs sometime next year and stare at a few gadgets inVista's sidebar, which is enabled by default."
The feature is one of many eye-popping graphics in Microsoft's first major upgradeto the Windows operating system in more than five years. "Microsoft aims to sell200 million copies to businesses and consumers worldwide in Vista's first twoyears", reported John Swartz, tech news columnist at USA Today.
What gadgets can do for companies and marketersGiven the popularity of gadgets, it goes without saying that gadgets will be anenormous asset to marketers in the very near future. William Cross from GadgetSpark said that "If a business only reaches a small percentage of the projectednumber of Vista side bar desktops in the next few years, it can be absolutely hugefor their business.
Blogging and social networks - People can add gadgets to their own space on a socialnetwork such as MySpace and FaceBook. It only requires one person to add it totheir space for your personal space to become virally popular.
Branding - CompanyÂ's can have their brand or logo displayed on literally millions ofcomputer desktops over the next couple of few years. One click in their WindowsVista side bar takes them to your WebsiteÂ's products or services.
Affiliate Marketers - can create a mini-application such as a specialized clock,custom calculator, search tool, or anything else that has relevence to the sponsorthe marketer is promoting. Gadget Spark can make a gadget that does it and at thesame time use affiliate codes to make sure the marketer gets credit for any salesmade from the gadget.
Gadget Spark was created for the sole purpose of creating exciting and vibrantmultimedia as a powerful enrichment tool for other companies and marketers. "Ourultimate goal is to get our clients on everyoneÂ's desktop before the market becomessaturated", says Cross. Gadget Spark intends to enable their clients to make moneyfrom their linked gadget applications and closer relationships with the end usersonline. For more information contact Gadget Spark at http://www.gadgetspark.com
Citations:
1. Extreme Tech. Editor. Vista Gadgets and Yahoo Widgets, (10-12-2006).http://www.extre metech.com/article2/0,1697,202 8648,00.asp
2. USA Today. Jon Swartz. Microsoft launches first operating system in five yearswith Vista,(11-30-06).http://www. usatoday.com/tech/products/200 6-11-29-vista-rollout_x.htm
