How many?

This weeks Article: http://www.pcworld.com/article/158861/windows_7_to_ship_in_six_different_versions.html

“Microsoft confirmed the multi-version release of Windows 7 to various sources including Gizomodo and Paul Thurrott of Windows Supersite”

Rating: UGLY

Explanation:
Microsoft has once again decided to release not just multiple versions of their upcoming operating system, but 6 completely different versions to the public. Microsoft started releasing different versions of their operation systems with XP Pro and XP home. The initial concept was a good one, a version for your average user, and a version for your business. However the underground community quickly exploited the lack of security in XP Home and everyone from your average user to your business professionals started using XP Professional. With Windows Vista becoming the new Windows ME, it is easy to look at some of its flaws including the number of versions released. With so many versions it was hard for a consumer to get everything they wanted and / or needed without buying the complete version of Vista Ultimate. With this being the case the concept of having other cheaper versions becomes useless because they did not accomplish giving the consumer another option; it was Vista Ultimate or a version of Vista which was not as well supported and had a fair share of issues. This all being said I can't imagine releasing six new versions with Windows 7 as a good concept. Sure, for Microsoft it is a great marketing ploy to create more sales but it does not benefit the consumer. This being the case I would have to say that Microsoft repeating an already experienced problem would result in an UGLY rating.