Software giant Microsoft launched Windows 7 worldwide today, including India, two years after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista. Windows 7, the company claims, is designed to be more reliable and responsive, delivering a simplified personal computer (PC) experience for consumers. Critics say the new operating system (OS) is the company’s most important release after the disappointing performance of Vista. With Windows 7, Microsoft aims to once again strengthen its grip on the PC market. RAJAN ANANDAN, managing director of Microsoft India, spoke to Kirtika Suneja on how the new product will help it attain the same position. Edited excerpts:
Why is it that you launched Windows 7 just two years after Vista, which in turn was launched five years after XP?
The launch is in line with Microsoft’s commitment to releasing a new OS at periodic schedules, keeping in mind evolving technologies, lifestyles and business needs. Windows 7 is designed to be more reliable and responsive, delivering a simplified PC experience for consumers. Proactive engagement and feedback thereof with partners and consumers was fundamental to the development of Windows 7. It has helped deliver what is the highest quality OS in the history of Windows. In fact, we spend $9.5 billion annually on research and development. Over 90 per cent of testers from around the world have rated it as “good” or “extremely good” and consider Windows 7 to be responsive, simple to use and stable. It can work on devices whose prices range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 1,50,000.
How many editions does Windows 7 have and what is the pricing?
Windows 7 is available in six editions, targeted at specific user groups and addressing all segments of the market. The two primary editions are: Windows 7 Home Premium for home consumers and Windows 7 Professional for small and medium sized businesses. Also available in the line-up are Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic (in Emerging Markets only), Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate. The six packs have been developed on the basis of segmentation of bands of consumers and their usage pattern. The estimated retail price of Windows ‘home basic’ edition is Rs. 5,899 while the ‘starter edition’ is available only through the OEM channel and not through retail. The Ultimate edition is priced at Rs 11,000.
What kind of response are you expecting?
We do expect some people to upgrade from XP and Vista to Windows 7, but it is early to assign a number to that. Most people, around 90 per cent, experience a new OS - in this case Windows 7 - during new purchases. People look for reasons to upgrade and this is a lighter form-factor and mobile. Moreover, we have introduced a consumer-friendly way around this by offering free updates to people who bought Windows after June 26. Affordability is another factor to be taken into account.
Why should they do so?
With features such as Aero Shake, Peek, Snap, Jump Lists and a redesigned Windows Taskbar, Windows 7 is designed to become the control centre for all the media. One can do more with photos, music, movies and videos. There are innovative new features like HomeGroup, Play To, Windows Live Movie Maker and Remote Media Streaming in Windows 7. Besides Internet Explorer 8, there is also faster on-faster off Windows Touch. We have also provided BitLocker that helps ensure that sensitive data is protected across PCs and removable storage devices.
Over 600 new feature ideas for Windows 7 were tested through the largest beta testing programme in the history of the industry, with eight million testers worldwide. Direct access and location aware printing are the other unique features, as we have integrated Windows 7 with the Microsoft Cloud.
What about its availability?
Windows 7 is available at more than 45,000 retailers around the world and in India, all 16 PC manufacturers will bring in more than 100 different Windows 7 PCs within 30 days from today.
There was an issue with Customs clearance. Will it affect the availability?
We have to wait for some more time for custom clearances but that is not a major concern. Windows 7 is available for users from today itself.
