Microsoft India has announced the Windows Upgrade Option Programme for Windows 7. Available from June 26, 2009, the programme allows consumers who buy a PC with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate, from a participating OEM or channel partner, to receive an upgrade to Windows 7, at no additional cost from Microsoft.

The vendor has partnered with OEMs like Acer, Dell, HCL, HP, Lenovo, Sony, Toshiba and Wipro to offer this upgrade. The programme is available to Indian consumers and businesses with less than 25 PCs, through participating OEMs as well as channel partners for assembled PCs. Upgrade to Windows 7 is globally available from June 26, 2009, through January 31, 2010. Consumers can redeem the programme until the end of Feb 2010.

Rajiv Popli, Director (Windows Client, Consumer & Online Business), Microsoft India, said, "With the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Programme, we aim to offer our consumer's the best of both worlds - with their Windows Vista based computers today and Windows 7 powered systems post its launch. We are very excited about the upcoming launch of Windows 7 with its fun new features that will make PCs faster, smarter and easier to use."
 
Commenting on the Windows Upgrade Option Programme, George Paul, Executive Vice President (Marketing), HCL Infosystems, said, "Keeping our commitment to offer the very best in technology to our customers, we are pleased to be a part of Windows 7 Upgrade Option programme. Windows 7 upgrade option will offer a holistic experience to users by adding new features and various benefits that will make computing easier and faster."

Windows 7 will be available worldwide through all OEMs starting October 22, 2009, in six SKUs, with Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional being the two primary editions that will meet the needs and usage expectations of a majority.

"Acer is excited about partnering with Microsoft on the new revolutionary Windows 7 platform for enabling an easy upgrade to customers in India. Our participation in this programme helps encourage customers to not defer their PC purchase plans. Anyone who buys an Acer product with Windows Vista Premium or Vista Professional edition will be eligible for an upgrade to equivalent Windows 7 versions, at no additional cost but for some handling fee for the media," said S Rajendran, Chief Marketing Officer, Acer India.

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