Fox News ran this story from the Wall Street Journal (read the article here) this morning about Microsoft’s impending ad blitz against Apple. The campaign will feature comedian Jerry Seinfeld and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.

According to the article:

Microsoft’s immediate goal is to reverse the negative public perception of Windows Vista, the latest version of the company’s personal-computer operating system. Windows is Microsoft’s largest generator of profit and revenue, accounting for 28% of the company’s revenue of $60.4 billion in the year ended June 30.

This will be very interesting to watch over the coming months. Everyone loves the Mac/PC ads put out by Apple. You can view a few of them below…

The ads have done wonders for Apple’s image. Of course, the point is that the ads are based on fact, history, and consumer experience. These ads play into the story and perception that everyone who has ever used a PC is familiar with. That’s why the ads have worked so well.

In response, Microsoft has hired a new agency who is clearly swinging for the fence. What will be interesting to watch is how they frame the message of the ads. Windows Vista has endured a deluge of bad press and negative experience in the market. I’ve not met anyone that likes it.

Is Microsoft’s new agency hoping that Seinfeld’s celebrity status will overshadow the poor performance of their product? If so, that’s a very un-safe bet. If that’s the case, then short-term results will show improvement, but I’m betting it will come at the sacrifice of long-term brand loyalty. Never make a promise you can’t keep. Consumers are anything but forgiving.

In addition, some small, upstart operating system might find a very rich opportunity as a 3rd alternative to this slugfest.

Microsoft’s ad campaign is set to kickoff on September 4.  Like I said, it will be very interesting to watch…