Redmond (WA) - Microsoft announced yesterday it's planning to release six different versions of Windows 7 later this year - or possibly early in 2010. These include version that Microsoft promises will run on netbook computers, to full premium and ultimate versions.
Microsoft's Mike Ybarra, General Manager for Windows, said one of Microsoft's goals for Windows 7 branding is a clear upgrade path from previous versions. For example, Vista Basic users should have a clear path to an equivalent Windows 7 Basic version. In addition, Microsoft has made it a priority to allow this version of Windows to operate on all ranges of equipment from low-end netbooks to the highest-end gaming PCs.
Microsoft's press release goes into a fair amount of marketing-speak when discussing the company's goals for Windows 7. But, here it is broken out by version with comments provided by Ybarra:
Windows 7 Starter Edition
Ybarra said, "We’ll also continue to offer Windows Starter edition, which will only be offered pre-installed by an OEM. Windows Starter edition will now be available worldwide. This edition is available only in the OEM channel on new PCs limited to specific types of hardware."
Windows 7 Home Basic
Ybarra said, "We know emerging markets have unique needs and we will offer Windows 7 Home Basic, only in emerging markets, for customers looking for an entry-point Windows experience on a full-size value PC."
Windows 7 Home Premium
Ybarra said, "Windows 7 Home Premium is the recommended choice for consumers. It gives them a full-function PC experience and a visually rich environment in everything from the way they experience entertainment to the way they connect their devices."
Windows 7 Professional
Ybarra said, "Windows 7 Professional is the recommended choice for small businesses and for people who work at home but have to operate in an IT-managed or business environment where security and productivity are critical. For those running Windows Vista Business, it will be a very logical move to Windows 7 Professional."
Windows 7 Ultimate
Ybarra said, "And certainly there is also a small set of customers who want everything Windows 7 has to offer. So we will continue to have Windows 7 Ultimate edition to meet that specialized need. Windows 7 Ultimate edition is designed for PC enthusiasts who “want it all” and customers who want the security features such as BitLocker found in Windows 7 Enterprise edition."
Windows 7 Enterprise
Ybarra said, "For our biggest enterprise customers, we'll continue to have an Enterprise edition. And we will work to make sure there continues to be strong value in Enterprise edition for our annuity customers with Software Assurance agreements. This edition will not be available at retail or by OEMs for preinstallation on a new PC. Windows 7 Enterprise edition offers advanced data protection, lower cost compliance and IT tools to streamline PC management and help save costs, while enabling access to information from anywhere for business users."
See Microsoft's press release.
Microsoft's Mike Ybarra, General Manager for Windows, said one of Microsoft's goals for Windows 7 branding is a clear upgrade path from previous versions. For example, Vista Basic users should have a clear path to an equivalent Windows 7 Basic version. In addition, Microsoft has made it a priority to allow this version of Windows to operate on all ranges of equipment from low-end netbooks to the highest-end gaming PCs.
Microsoft's press release goes into a fair amount of marketing-speak when discussing the company's goals for Windows 7. But, here it is broken out by version with comments provided by Ybarra:
Windows 7 Starter Edition
Ybarra said, "We’ll also continue to offer Windows Starter edition, which will only be offered pre-installed by an OEM. Windows Starter edition will now be available worldwide. This edition is available only in the OEM channel on new PCs limited to specific types of hardware."
Windows 7 Home Basic
Ybarra said, "We know emerging markets have unique needs and we will offer Windows 7 Home Basic, only in emerging markets, for customers looking for an entry-point Windows experience on a full-size value PC."
Windows 7 Home Premium
Ybarra said, "Windows 7 Home Premium is the recommended choice for consumers. It gives them a full-function PC experience and a visually rich environment in everything from the way they experience entertainment to the way they connect their devices."
Windows 7 Professional
Ybarra said, "Windows 7 Professional is the recommended choice for small businesses and for people who work at home but have to operate in an IT-managed or business environment where security and productivity are critical. For those running Windows Vista Business, it will be a very logical move to Windows 7 Professional."
Windows 7 Ultimate
Ybarra said, "And certainly there is also a small set of customers who want everything Windows 7 has to offer. So we will continue to have Windows 7 Ultimate edition to meet that specialized need. Windows 7 Ultimate edition is designed for PC enthusiasts who “want it all” and customers who want the security features such as BitLocker found in Windows 7 Enterprise edition."
Windows 7 Enterprise
Ybarra said, "For our biggest enterprise customers, we'll continue to have an Enterprise edition. And we will work to make sure there continues to be strong value in Enterprise edition for our annuity customers with Software Assurance agreements. This edition will not be available at retail or by OEMs for preinstallation on a new PC. Windows 7 Enterprise edition offers advanced data protection, lower cost compliance and IT tools to streamline PC management and help save costs, while enabling access to information from anywhere for business users."
See Microsoft's press release.