last updated at 31 Jan, 2007 10:15 (2 times)
Regarding all the fuss along with yesterdays (Jan-30) launch of Windows Vista, I suddenly had the idea of a new marketing strategy for eComStation:We need codenames (Or "names" at least) for the eCS builds.
Remember all these "longhorn"s, "sharptooth"s, "chicago"s, "tiger"s, "woody"s etc. - not to mention "Warp"?
Short names that help in making a "connection" to a product!
Now that we most likely will have an eCS mascot (one day or another) why not give each *version* its codename instead of a dull number (or in addition to).
See here:
"Serenity Systems Inc. today announced the launch of eComStation 2.0. (...blabla...)"
vs.
"Serenity Systems Inc. today announced the launch of eComStation 2.0, formerly codenamed "Whisper". (...blabla...)"
What does "look" better? What is likely to generate more mentioning? A "1.2R" release or e.g. a "1.2R ('whisper')" release?
Mensys and Serenity: Feel free to keep the numbers, but why not add codenames like "whisper", "viper", "chainsaw", "lightning" or whatever... why not do a codename competition for each released build? The successful submitter will be mentioned in the releases readme file and the website.
Okay, I just did a quick shot using "whisper" as codename. Seemed funny to me in contrast to "Vista". Oh, BTW - has someone already played jokes on the name of "Vista"?
...e.g. like in "hasta la Vista, baby" ? 
Back to business:
I am absolutely sure that using codenames will be more interesting for press people. Usually, they don't (want to) know much about what is behind a technology. In a fast-evolving IT world, they just try to keep the pace and -ideally- be faster than competitors when filling layout gaps with press releases. In order to gain THEIR attention, codenames will help, I believe.
At least, it won't hurt in "socialising" (or identifying ourselves) with a product.
Whaddaya think?