New figures from NPD Group have revealed that the new
Microsoft operating system Windows 7 is selling considerably faster than its predecessor,
Windows Vista . Microsoft has sold 234 per cent more boxed editions of the highly rated Windows 7 compared to the poorly received Windows
Vista during the initial release stage of both products.
However, in terms of revenue, the release of Windows 7 perhaps hasn’t provided Microsoft with the financial boost they may have hoped for. Much of Microsoft’s marketing ahead of the launch surrounded the affordable Home Premium version of Windows 7, which now comes preinstalled on a number of
laptop and
desktop PCs . Consequently, revenues resulting from the launch of Windows 7 are 82 per cent higher than from the launch of Vista, despite the high volume of sales.
Comparisons with the launch of Vista will also be harmed by the current economic environment. Indeed, despite the growth in PC sales for the Windows 7 launch representing the highest point during the third quarter, the growth remains 6 per cent below the surge experience after the release of Vista. Furthermore, 20 per cent of PCs bought during the Windows 7 launch week featured older
operating systems .