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Fuzzy Logic Microsoft promises to release Windows 7, free
Fuzzy Logic Microsoft promises to release Windows 7, free | Microsoft promises to release Windows 7, free |
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| by Alex Zaharov-Reutt | |
| Wednesday, 01 April 2009 | |
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Page 3 of 3 Steve: Ok, so it’s true: not every version of Windows 7 is free. Our best consumer version, Windows 7 Home Premium, in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, will be available for free download. Featured Whitepaper
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To upgrade to Windows 7 Professional from the Home Premium version, we’ve decided to charge a flat US $7 upgrade fee, with that $7 naturally relating to the 7 in Windows 7. Our Enterprise and Data Center versions will still be charged at current Software Assurance rates, so businesses and government organizations (which are a huge part of our business) will continue, although we do have some small pricing reductions there too. And our “Ultimate” version will also be available as an upgrade to anyone that wants it. We originally wanted to charge US $70 for the upgrade, but we’ve decided to halve that to US $35. These prices are bargains, and will help to rapidly spread Windows 7 everywhere. As for OEMs, while they will be offering Windows 7 Home Premium pre-loaded on PCs sold at retail “free” of charge, they’ll actually be paying Microsoft US 70c per copy, thus ensuring continued revenue from our OEM partners, while computers pre-loaded with Windows 7 Professional will have the same $7 fee per copy. While Microsoft’s revenue will take a hit from Windows 7 Home Premium being free, we’re still making money from the other versions of Windows 7, our Office franchise, and all the other software and hardware we produce – almost all of which depends on Windows 7 as the operating system base. Having said that, we’re going to announce some very special pricing for the upcoming Office 14 and Office Live Web versions too – including a free, ad-supported option for the first time ever, following the success of our ad-supported Microsoft Works experiments last year. Alex: So, when will Microsoft officially announce this new initiative? Steve: We have a global announcement planned for 11.50am April 1, US (Redmond) time. Come and check the Microsoft.com website at that time for additional details, including some extra surprises I still want to keep under my dancing hat. Alex: Steve, thank you very much for your time. Steve: A pleasure, Alex. |
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