14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is proving that it's never too early to start gearing up for the availability of the next version of the Windows client. In this context, the Redmond company revealed that it is already hard at work to ensure that consumers would be able to benefit from a new standard of quality when it comes down to their future Windows PC purchase experiences. This will, of course, be valid starting with Windows 7, Windows Vista's successor, which Microsoft plans to deliver at the end of 2009, but no later than January 30, 2010.
"Microsoft is boldly reshaping the Windows PC purchase experience with unprecedented focus, resources and investments. We are transforming how we reward our channel, re-inventing the assets we are making available to land in the channel and revisiting how we assort our products," a member of the Windows Channel and Partner Marketing team explained.
The software giant is looking to develop even more intimate connections with its worldwide business and retail partners. Hopefully, Microsoft will focus on initiatives stronger than the cartoonish "They came for Windows Vista". At retail, Windows traditionally fails to provide equivalence in terms of revenues to OEM sales. And it is on the original equipment manufacturers that the Redmond company focuses to provide over 80% of the Windows Client Division's revenue.
The software giant plans to work closely with its select group of tier-one-partners in order to ensure that Windows 7 PC purchase experience will go well beyond what was available with Windows Vista. In this context, there will be a series of key business decisions on Windows 7 which tier-one-partners will be informed as a part the company's investment in the next iteration of Windows.
"Key business decisions include pricing, SKU line ups, service pack announcements, Beta/RC/RTM readiness. Key marketing investments include Windows branding, ad campaigns, and seasonal campaign messaging, Windows 7 launch readiness)," Microsoft stated.