Windows Vista name spat gives Microsoft a headache

Vista, the name that Microsoft has chosen to christen its next-generation operating system, is causing a few headaches in Redmond as two non-profit organisations are claiming it is too similar to the name of specialist software that they produce.

Vista is already a hotel in Buenos Aires, the trade name of a classy hot tub, a visible and infrared survey telescope and a city near San Diego.

There are, in fact, plenty of examples of existing Vistas but only a few have much of a connection with the software business.

These include two non-profit groups - The Vista Software Alliance (VA) and Worldvista - that provide specialist software called Vista to hospitals, nursing homes and clinics which care for US military veterans.

The groups denounced Microsoft's choice of name this week, claiming that people will be confused between the Microsoft operating system and Vista's specialised software.

Maury Pepper, chairman of Worldvista, said: "The timing of Microsoft's announcement is most unfortunate. Microsoft is aware of VA's use of 'Vista' and yet insists on detracting from the nationwide effort to provide the Vista electronic health record to physicians throughout the country by creating confusion in the IT industry. Our healthcare system has long been in need of a truly affordable electronic medical record, and just as one becomes available, Microsoft has created a huge distraction."

In the US, as in many countries, veterans occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of the population. Retailer Target fell foul of the US veterans' groups when it was alleged the group would not allow veterans to fundraise around stores.

Microsoft, which will be hoping for a simpler and cleaner end to the latest argument, can point to the fact that it offers veterans discounted software.

Colin Barker writes for ZDNet UK