14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is cooking a range of resources that are indicated to be ready to be taken out of the oven in about a week. Come September 15th, 2009, baking time will be over for Windows 7 tips, content, demos, and training, however, the offering will in fact be focused on the Windows 7 parties Microsoft is looking for customers and its own employees to host, although covering the latest Windows release.
In this regard, although the Redmond company is only accepting Windows 7 party hosts from a few countries around the world, it notes that it will not limit access to the new resources available next week. Australia, Italy, Canada, Japan, Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, the USA, the UK and India are the main markets that Microsoft is targeting for its Windows 7 parties.
“If you don’t live in a country where Launch Parties are available to host – don’t worry! You can still hold a Windows 7 gathering of your own. We will be providing Windows 7 tips, content, demos, and training online starting September 15th for you to host your own gathering or ‘meet-up,’” Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communications manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, says.
LeBlanc indicates that the software giant is looking for the Windows 7 general availability bashes to increase the visibility of the operating system via word of mouth, and to drive customer excitement. The geeky shindigs with Windows 7 at center stage are designed in such a manner for those already familiar with the platform to get the word out to friends, families, acquaintances, etc. The Redmond company is not even that pretentious about the location, revealing that any “old” household, cafe, school, or a community gathering hotspot can do the trick.
“If you live in one of the countries where Launch Parties will be available for you to host, you can apply here to be a Launch Party host. In order to host a Launch Party, your application must go through a review process first. If your application passes the review process, you will be sent an email letting you know you have been accepted. A MyParty page is created for you by House Party where you (as the host) can add who you want to invite to your party and invite them. You will also receive a kit to help you with your party, including Windows 7 Host Help Videos and Host Notes (demos) and other materials to make your Launch Party fun,” LeBlanc adds.
Microsoft is ready to send free copies of Windows 7 to all that will host a Windows 7 party, provided that they will find themselves on the short list of hosts officially approved by the company. According to LeBlanc, the Windows 7 launch-party initiative was kicked off by an email from Tami Reller, chief financial officer and corporate vice president for the Windows Business Group.