That's right, the numbers are in and Windows Vista is nothing short than a splashing success. According to Microsoft, Windows Vista has debuted with strong global sales. "Initial sales figures from Microsoft show its new operating system Windows Vista made a splash in its debut," Microsoft claims, revealing that in excess of 20 million Windows Vista licenses have been sold just in the first month of commercial availability for the operating system. In this context, Windows Vista has managed to outperform Windows XP's initial sales pace.

"We are encouraged to see such a positive consumer response to Windows Vista right out of the gate," said Bill Veghte, corporate vice president of the Windows Business Group at Microsoft. "While it's very early in the product lifecycle, we are setting a foundation for Windows Vista to become the fastest-adopted version of Windows ever. Working with our partners, we are helping our customers leverage new tools and programs to accelerate the transition and provide a great user experience."

Microsoft's initial predictions for Windows Vista proved legitimate as the operating system sold more than double the number of Windows XP copies. Microsoft informed that, while it took Windows XP two months to exceed the 17 million sold licenses in January 2002, 20 million Vista licenses were sold just in February 2007.

"The more than 20 million copies shipped represent Windows Vista licenses sold to PC manufacturers, copies of upgrades and the full packaged product sold to retailers and upgrades ordered through the Windows Vista Express Upgrade program from January 30 to February 28," Microsoft added.