Kiwis Switching on to Windows 7

Kiwis Switching on to Windows 7

Nearly 10 percent of TradeMe visitors now using Windows 7

Microsoft’s Windows 7, released six months ago, has become the fastest selling operating system in history with over 100 million licenses sold worldwide.

In addition, the latest Net Applications figures for April 2010 show that Windows 7 machines account for 11.68% of the total global fleet with the closest non-Windows operating system holding a 5.32% share.

Ben Green, Microsoft’s Windows Business Group Lead, says local figures seem to be mirroring these global trends.

“According to statistics from TradeMe, the nation’s busiest website, nearly 10 percent of site visitors during the month of March were using Windows 7.”

“This is a phenomenal uptake for such a short time in the market and is testament to the fact customers love the simplicity, value and choice provided by Windows 7.”

Green adds, “Kiwis are gravitating toward Windows 7 because they want a device that can do it all — whether it’s a productivity tool, a gateway to the web, content consumption or gaming, Windows 7 does all this more simply than ever before.”

“We’re also seeing this consumer enthusiasm for Windows 7 spill over into the corporate world where global uptake of the operating system has surpassed expectations thanks to a resurgent PC industry. The New Zealand PC market has enjoyed double-digit growth again after the slow down and sales during the past six months are up on the six months previous.”

A good local example of this resurgence is NorthTec, the largest post-secondary education provider in northern New Zealand. It has recently upgraded to Windows 7 to increase productivity and network security.

Xiaohui Xu, NorthTec’s Vice President and Chief Information Officer, says with more than 15,000 students, 10 campuses, 60 community teaching areas and 500 employees, the school demands a robust technology platform to enable education and connect students, faculties, staff, communities, and businesses while reducing IT costs and overhead.

“We want to lead the way in the use of technology to deliver education. That means providing anytime, anywhere information and communication to staff and students, including those learning at a distance and on the move.”

“Windows 7 makes it easier to get work done. It encourages students to employ PCs as a learning tool and that is a key part of our mission.”

Xu says in addition to being the most up-to-date technology, Windows 7 offers NorthTec a number of benefits, allowing students to take advantage of the latest desktop technologies which better prepares them for future careers.

“From a business standpoint, it also meant we could overcome the high cost of supporting a mixed desktop environment.”

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

ENDS

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