If you were hoping that Microsoft would cut the number of Windows 7 editions down to just one, you’re disappointed today. But if you’re willing to settle for three, your wishes have come true.
Well, sort of.
I’ve got more details over at ZDNet. (See Microsoft simplifies the Windows 7 lineup.) But here’s the short version:
- Windows 7 Home Premium is the new entry level, with Media Center and better backup features than the equivalent Vista edition.
- Windows 7 Professional replaces Vista Business. It includes every feature from Home Premium (Media Center included) plus Remote Desktop host and support for Windows domains. It’s a straight upgrade from Home Premium.
- Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise are the same product, with the Enterprise name used for customers who buy in huge volume through Select license agreements.
Windows 7 Home Basic will be available only in emerging markets and will not be sold in the U.S., Western Europe, and other developed countries.
And were you looking for something to run your netbook? In the U.S., the only available downgrade from Home Premium is the severely hobbled Starter Edition, which can run only three programs at a time. (Yes, Starter Edition was previously only available in emerging markets. Now it’s available worldwide, and Microsoft has banished Home Basic to the hinterlands. Go figure.)
I’m still trying to figure out exactly what Microsoft is thinking when it comes to netbooks. But the rest of this seems like very good news, especially the revamped Anytime Upgrade feature, which lets you “unlock” the features for an upgrade in 10 minutes or less, without having to go through the hassle of a full upgrade.
@Ed Bott: I agree that it is too complex, but an open pricing structure can be done based on the idea. Another issue is that it focuses on getting better quality machines for Windows to run on rather then profit for Microsoft, hurting profit in exchange for brand trust that isn’t necessarily proven to be big enough to make up for that.
@Richard: Well, I think that poorly constructed programs not running on 64 bit is not Microsoft’s fault (unless it is their program). And we can compare it to Apple’s current strategy, which is a hybrid 32/64bit OS. Who else did that before? Microsoft had Windows ME (and the previous in the 9x series). If you remember, it is what gave Microsoft the reputation for blue screens nearly single-handedly. I know it is temporary for the purpose of moving forward, but I’m a bit more comfortable with Microsoft’s current approach, even if you think it adds more versions.
I cannot recall anyone ever asking me which version of Windows Vista to use as I would say most people just use whatever comes with their order and whatever Dell/HP/Lenovo/Gateway etc has set by default. I think Richard is trying to make it sound confusing, when most Grandmothers wouldn’t know, much less care which OS they got.
I’m not surprised Windows 7 and Vista for that matter had so many versions. Look at the PC market, 90% of home users will be fine with Home Premium. Underpowered or extremely cheap computers for someone just running browsers, word processors, and email will be fine with Home basic. Most businesses don’t need employees messing with Media Center but they need the bit locker and other enterprise features. If your customers are wealthy, I think selling them Ultimate makes sense and compares pretty favorably with anything Apple has to offer when it’s running on a high end PC. I don’t see much problem with the line up and Windows 7 is really nice, although I enjoy Vista 7 looks like a worthwhile upgrade.