Jake Widman
Saturday, 06 June 2009 00:35
IT Industry -
Strategy
Electronics retailer Best Buy's presale and upgrade plans for Windows 7 have become public after being posted on an internal website.
After the
marketing plan for the Windows 7 launch appeared on Best Buy's Employee News page, it was leaked to the technology blog
Engadget .
The memo touts Windows 7's "improved productivity, functionality and creativity" and affirms the company's intention to "ensure users get switched over successfully to the new operating system."
The plan goes into effect on June 26, when Best Buy will institute a Technology Guarantee that customers who buy PCs running Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate editions after that date will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 7.
The guarantee also applies to standalone versions of the operating system.
Furthermore, between June 26 and July 11, Best Buy will presell two versions of Windows 7. Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade will be available for US$49.99 and Windows 7 Professional Upgrade for $99.99.
The presold software will be automatically shipped to customers directly in October, when Windows 7 is officially launched.
What does it all mean? If nothing else, Microsoft's laptop hunters and other potential PC customers should probably put off their trips to Best Buy for another three weeks.