Windows 7 Packaging Includes XP Upgrades - Page 2

Page 2 of 2

XP Not Left Out

Microsoft will also offer upgrade packages for Windows XP users.

"Customers can purchase upgrade media and an upgrade license to move from Windows XP to Windows 7; however, they will need to do a clean installation of Windows 7," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement e-mailed to InternetNews.com.

Microsoft touts that there are more than a billion Windows PCs running in the world today. The majority of those run Windows XP, so it's just logical that Microsoft would offer upgrade packaging for those users.

"To create a seamless upgrade path for XP users is a great thing to do, and that would help to get users back on the regular upgrade path" Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT, told InternetNews.com. Of course, it would also help refill Microsoft's coffers.

Additionally, Microsoft said that, during the current beta, testers have been able to run all editions of Windows 7 on so-called netbooks, a market that surprised almost the entire tech marketplace when they surfaced a year ago and suddenly exploded in sales.

"For OEMs that build lower-cost small notebook PCs, Windows 7 Starter will now be available in developed markets. For the most enhanced, full-functioning Windows experience on small notebook PCs, however, consumers will want to go with Windows 7 Home Premium, which lets you get the most out of your digital media and easily connect with other PCs," Brad Brooks, corporate vice president for Windows consumer product marketing, said in a statement.

Further simplifying the offerings, Microsoft will not be distributing one of the six editions – Windows 7 Home Basic – in the U.S. or other developed countries.

That is not because Home Basic was the edition that caused Microsoft's Vista Capable lawsuit, but rather Microsoft pragmatically responding to customers' needs on a worldwide basis, NPD's Baker said.

"There are clearly different needs between customers and geographies. For Home Basic, while a lot of mainstream users may not need it, it's more targeted for emerging markets," Baker added.

Microsoft did not disclose pricing or give an updated schedule of when Windows 7 will be generally available.

However, many observers expect Windows 7 to reach the Release Candidate (RC) stage by April, and actual release sometime in late spring or early summer.