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Over 2,000 Indian firms adopt Windows 7
By siliconindia
|
Thursday, 19 November 2009, 18:34 IST |
3 Comments
Bangalore: In less than a month since its launch on October 22, over 2,000 Indian companies are in the process of installing Microsoft's latest operating system (OS), Windows 7. The companies include major IT companies like Infosys, Wipro, NIIT, car companies like Maruti and even the Bangalore airport, and Manipal University, besides many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), according to Steven Guggenheimer, Microsoft's Corporate Vice-President, OEM.
"We also see a reasonable amount of Windows XP (which has been around for eight years) on machines. We expect the natural refresh cycle over the next 12-24 months," says Guggenheimer. Microsoft has tied up with 17 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India. During the launch, the company had set a target of having Windows 7 installed on over 100 personal computer (PC) models, reports Business Standard.
All major PC manufacturers in the country, including HP, HCL, Acer and Dell, among others, have come forward to offer the new operating system with their range of desktops and laptops. "We have reached around 80 PC models. The target is well within our reach," he asserts.
Windows 7 has five versions priced between 
5,800 and 11,000. The starter edition is cheaper but is not available on shelves (only through OEMs). And the Windows 7 versions are 25-35 percent cheaper than comparable versions of Windows Vista.
So, what did Microsoft do right with Windows 7 that it did 'wrong' with Vista? "Vista was good for security. And while its acceptance was not as good as XP, users forget that it had a very good core model. Windows 7 has been built on that framework, hence it's so robust. As for Vista, we did have compatibility issues. Besides, there was probably too much hype versus the delivery on our part. This also explains our low-key launch of Windows 7," says Guggenheimer.
Windows 7, according to him has undergone a lot of work which explains its success. For instance, there were eight million data testers for the OS, and Microsoft conducted around 16,000 interviews from around 100 cities. "We also worked very hard with our partners to set things right, and ensure that the user experience is complete," explains Guggenheimer.
Windows 7, is also picking up in the retail market, which accounts for around 10 percent of all sales. But Guggenheimer does not give any numbers. "All I can say is the experience is too exciting," he says, adding, "We have received a lot of positive consumer and partner feedback globally."
5,800 and 11,000. The starter edition is cheaper but is not available on shelves (only through OEMs). And the Windows 7 versions are 25-35 percent cheaper than comparable versions of Windows Vista.
So, what did Microsoft do right with Windows 7 that it did 'wrong' with Vista? "Vista was good for security. And while its acceptance was not as good as XP, users forget that it had a very good core model. Windows 7 has been built on that framework, hence it's so robust. As for Vista, we did have compatibility issues. Besides, there was probably too much hype versus the delivery on our part. This also explains our low-key launch of Windows 7," says Guggenheimer.
Windows 7, according to him has undergone a lot of work which explains its success. For instance, there were eight million data testers for the OS, and Microsoft conducted around 16,000 interviews from around 100 cities. "We also worked very hard with our partners to set things right, and ensure that the user experience is complete," explains Guggenheimer.
Windows 7, is also picking up in the retail market, which accounts for around 10 percent of all sales. But Guggenheimer does not give any numbers. "All I can say is the experience is too exciting," he says, adding, "We have received a lot of positive consumer and partner feedback globally."
