The speculations are rife that Microsoft latest upcoming operating system windows 7 would be launched in 6 different versions.
The company in order to avoid clash of versions would heavily promote only two versions i.e primary version for consumers which will be called Windows 7 Home Premium, and the one for businesses which will be called Windows 7 Professional.
Versions to be launched:
Windows 7 Home Premium:: main promoted version for home users.
Windows 7 Professional:: main promoted version for business and professionals.
Home Basic :: It would mainly be used as OEM VERSION.
Starter edition:The Starter edition is intended for sale in developing countries
There would also be a Top-end Enterprise version for big corporate customers and a similar Ultimate version for consumers. Those versions will include security features and a few other tools not available in the two main versions.
Does game of plenty work?
- Microsoft first encounter with multi-tiered versions of their product started with windows xp which was launched in versions like home, professional, media centre edition etc…this practice of launching plenty of versions in the market seemed to have paid during xp time but was not so successful during the time of vista launch.
- This multi-tiered approach results into a increase in use of pirated operating systems in emerging markets and the reason being that people believe that the core or simple version may not be enough for their work and higher version being unaffordable they go for piracy route.
- It make cumbersome for people to decide which version to go for their use.
Why does microsoft play this game:
- The main reason for launching multiple versions with different functionality is to remove price barriers and make it more accessible to buyers.
- This again helps in fueling the volume growth or the sales growth for the company.
- The company is able to leverage the brand Rep of its flagship operating system to sell different versions of it which again does not put too much load on advertising budget.
Microsoft has also said in a statement that changes to the way it communicates about Windows 7 should `make these choices as simple and clear as possible for customers and partners.”
Microsoft launches windows 7 beta in Hindi:
- Microsoft has announced that it has launched windows 7 in Hindi.
- The new initiatives is again followed by launch of Language Interface Packs (LIPs) in 12 Indian languages for MS Office and Windows.
- The company has also announced a total of 45 additional virtual keyboards for these languages.
According to the company,”This would facilitate company to overcome the language barrier to computing,and has showcased a variety of custom made products directed specifically at the vernacular language market – a market that has been largely left untapped till now.”
If you want to download windows 7 beta in Hindi just go here and click Hindi in the dropdown box.
End note:
This could be followed by full fledge launches of future releases from the company in Hindi and other vernacular languages and in turn suggests that Microsoft is waking up to seriously notice the requirements of emerging markets which could provide it the next big opportunity looking at capping of I.T budgets in its prime markets.
This could further imply good news for PC and Internet penetration in India as it would finally see a robust growth due to breaking of language barriers.
