Windows 8 launch date confirmed for SA
Microsoft Windows 8 will be in South Africa when it becomes “generally available” on 26 October 2012, the business group lead for Windows at Microsoft SA, Colin Erasmus, recently told journalists at a Windows 8 demonstration in Sandton, South Africa.
Windows Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Tami Reller, said that Windows 8 is on track to “Release to Manufacturing” (RTM) in the first week of August 2012.
“For enterprise customers with Software Assurance benefits, they will have full access to Windows 8 bits as early as August,” Reller said.
“RTM is when we’ll be turning on the commerce platform so that developers can start earning money for their apps.”
The software giant announced earlier this month (July 2012) that users of Windows XP, Vista, or 7 would be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99. This upgrade is to be available in 131 markets, while Windows 8 will be available across 231 markets in 109 languages.
Another upgrade option of $14.99 is available to those who buy new PCs bundled with Windows 7 between 2 June 2012 and 31 January 2013.
Erasmus wasn’t able to confirm any details regarding the retail availability of Windows 8 in South Africa, but said that South Africans would be able to buy the upgrade in US Dollars with their credit cards from the Microsoft Store.
South Africa is part of the top tier of launch countries, Erasmus added.
“We’re going to get a lot of love this time round,” he said.
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