For Microsoft, a lot seems to be riding on Windows 7. The world?s largest software company is aiming to win back customers disappointed by Vista and fend off Apple?s gains in the PC market. Windows that powers 90% of world?s PCs and accounts for about a quarter of Microsoft?s $58.4 billion annual revenues, has got good reviews for its latest version till now. The new system?which is faster, less cluttered and has new touch-screen features?comes almost three years after the launch of Vista, which turned off many home as well as enterprise customers. Sales projections look good this time. IDC expect sales of 177 million copies thus pushing the PC market towards revival in India. In India, Microsoft boss Ravi Venkatesan expects 100 computers running Windows 7 in the next 30 days. He is banking on the new Windows version to be a catalyst in boosting the growth in the Indian PC market. In a candid chat with Pragati Verma, he reveals his expectations. Excerpts:
Do you expect Windows 7 to lead the growth in PC market? Vendors like Dell are already talking of a boost by mid-2010.
We expect Windows to be a catalyst in boosting the growth. Large businesses are already excited about it as businesses have not upgraded their computing systems for a while and the new Windows launch could catalyse the refresh cycle there. For enterprises, we have enhanced security features. BitLocker, for one, ensures that sensitive data is protected across PCs and removable storage devices.
About 1,000 enterprises including Infosys, Maruti, Bangalore International Airport, Biocon and MindTree have started upgrading their PCs to Windows 7. Windows 7 is designed to be more reliable and responsive, delivering a simplified PC experience for consumers. With features like Aero Shake, Peek, Snap, JumpLists and a redesigned Windows taskbar, Windows 7 should become the control centre for all media. Over 600 new feature ideas were tested for Windows 7 to determine the best ones to incorporate. It saw the largest beta testing program in the history of the industry with 8 million testers worldwide.
Are you disappointed that the launch has missed the Diwali season, when sales tend to pick up?
No, most vendors have already announced upgrade to an equivalent version of Windows 7 when you buy a systems with Vista. While some have offered it free, others are charging a nominal amount for media cost. So, there was no need to delay your purchase.
With customs clearance still pending, will it affect upgrades in the retail sector?
In India, PC manufacturers will bring in more than 100 Windows 7 PCs in 30 days. Our enterprise customers will also get an upgrade. We are hoping to get the clearance soon but it will affect a small section of the users.
You have pushed hard to broaden access to computers in India. Are you happy with the results?
No, we have lot more work to do there. We need all components in place to drive PC penetration. It?s very much like HIV drugs. You need anti-retroviral therapy. You need all the three drugs in combination and a single one won?t work.
Similarly, the PC market can pick up only when we offer PCs at the right price point and we see a healthy broadband penetration. I am glad to hear that 3G auction process won?t be delayed. We are also looking at cloud models to support adoption in smaller businesses. We can now offer applications like Mail and Sharepoint as a service, where user does not host it and pays based on usage. IT needs to become less product-centric and more consumer-centric.