Windows 7

Presenting a $320 billion opportunity for partners worldwide, through increased hardware, software, and services sales, Windows 7 is set to be one of the biggest software launches of 2009!

It’s been 9 years since Microsoft launched XP, and lots has changed since then, especially from a security perspective. And as Windows XP Mainstream Support ended in April, and Extended Support is set to end in April 2014, many customers will be looking to upgrade to Windows 7.

Most midsize businesses have PCs that are upgradeable to Windows 7 and the few that don’t, represent an opportunity for a new sale of a Windows 7-ready PC.

Here are the top seven reasons why Windows 7 is a ‘magnificent’ sales opportunity for you:

1. An operating system that works the way your customers want

Windows 7 improves on the fundamentals, while delivering the latest in mobility and user experience. It’s fast, stable, and compatible – with both third-party applications and third-party devices. It meets the advanced needs of your customers’ businesses and they get to keep working with the applications and devices they use today.

2. A SKU lineup that’s easy to understand and sell

The simplified SKU lineup of Windows 7 is easy for customers to understand—and easier for you to sell. With no more complex choices between editions, you can easily make recommendations to your customers.

3. A cost-effective, simple installation process

In response to feedback, Windows 7 is delivered as a single image;* separate images are not needed for each edition or SKU. This simplifies your installation process and can help speed up customer order fulfillment. In addition, new deployment tools have been designed to increase flexibility, speed, and efficiency in product development, helping to reduce costs.

4. An opportunity to offer high-value recurring services

The release of Windows 7 provides an opportunity to both upgrade your customers’ software or hardware and deliver IT-related services such as setting up data backup, configuring hardware and accessories, and optimising network settings.

5. The increased potential to offer a broad set of PCs.

Windows 7 has been optimised to work well on many different hardware specifications; giving you the opportunity to offer customers a range of PCs targeted toward their business needs.

6. A modern operating system for today’s businesses

Windows 7 provides a better option for business customers who need a PC that reflects today’s business environment. It includes the fundamentals of performance and improved battery life; fast startup, shutdown, and resume from standby; advanced search and indexing; and sophisticated networking capabilities.

7. Microsoft marketing investment around the launch of Windows 7

Extend the reach of your marketing budget by leveraging the campaigns, marketing resources, sales tools, and trainings that are being rolled out for the Windows 7 launch.

Sell Windows 7 to large customers via licensing Customers do not necessarily need to refresh their hardware to run Windows 7. In fact Windows 7 will run on relatively low spec machines so you could resurrect hardware through volume licensing.