Windows 7 caters for emerging markets

By Staff Writer for Microsoft
Johannesburg, 06 Feb 2009

Following the release of Microsoft's beta version of its latest operating system (OS), Windows 7, it will release six versions of the full product, including one targeted at emerging markets.

Windows business head at Microsoft SA, Colin Erasmus, says Windows 7 will come in an emerging market flavour that will take limited hardware capabilities into consideration. The company will offer the solution packaged as Windows 7 Home Basic.

He adds that the emerging markets will also still have access to the outgoing Microsoft operating system, Windows XP.

According to Erasmus, Windows 7 can also be run on a netbook, relieving concern that international industry watchers have noted. “We have designed Windows 7 so different editions can run on a very broad set of hardware, from small notebook PCs (netbooks) to full gaming desktops,” he adds.

Microsoft says the package will come in two primary flavours, Windows 7 Home Premium, for personal use, and Windows 7 Professional, for business.

“We'll continue to have an Enterprise edition. And we will work to make sure there continues to be strong value in the Enterprise edition for our customers with Software Assurance agreements. This edition will not be available at retail or by OEMs for pre-installation on a new PC,” says Erasmus.