Following the release of Microsoft’s beta version of its latest operating system (OS), Windows 7, it will release six versions of the full product, including one targeted at emerging markets.<\/p>\n
Windows business head at Microsoft SA, Colin Erasmus, says Windows 7 will come in an emerging market flavour that will take limited hardware capabilities into consideration. The company will offer the solution packaged as Windows 7 Home Basic.<\/p>\n
He adds that the emerging markets will also still have access to the outgoing Microsoft operating system, Windows XP.<\/p>\n
According to Erasmus, Windows 7 can also be run on a netbook, relieving concern that international industry watchers have noted. “We have designed Windows 7 so different editions can run on a very broad set of hardware, from small notebook PCs (netbooks) to full gaming desktops,” he adds.<\/p>\n
Microsoft says the package will come in two primary flavours, Windows 7 Home Premium, for personal use, and Windows 7 Professional, for business.<\/p>\n
“We’ll continue to have an Enterprise edition. And we will work to make sure there continues to be strong value in the Enterprise edition for our customers with Software Assurance agreements. <\/p>\n
This edition will not be available at retail or by OEMs for pre-installation on a new PC,” says Erasmus.<\/p>\n