Last Updated: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 Apparently, Microsoft Does Crowds, Too. Updated: Saturday, October 24, 2009 Microsoft does it right when it comes to crowd management at its Scottsdale store opening. Photo: Engadget.com c 2009 How did Microsoft do it? This week was the much anticipated release of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system. The giant retailer of software and hardware had its own special release at the company's first retail store in Scottsdale, Arizona (October 22). Yes, geeks lined up by the hundreds to be among the first to grap a copy of the new OS and other techie goodies, just like Apple fans do when the latest magic Jobs gear drops. Like Apple---and unlike so many US retailers who seem more interested in mayhem marketing than managing their minions---nobody was injured, or killed. How did the Redmond, Washington, giant do it? Well again, like Apple, you have to actually care about customers. Then, simply put together a reasonable crowd management plan with the help of crowd and security experts. Stir well with well-equipped trained personnel and implement. That's it. And, of course, don't hype or manipulate the crowd. Treat customers with respect. Provide the necessary public amenities if you're going to keep your customers waiting hours. [ home ][ crowdcafe ][ new ][ crowdshop ][ contact ] Crowd Management Strategies © 1997 - 2006. All rights reserved. Crowdsafe is a registered trademark of Crowd Management Strategies © 2006.