Microsoft talks Windows 7 - Page 3
Q) Snow Leopard introduces built-in support for Microsoft Exchange. As an out-the-box experience, it provides access to Exchange features with Apple's bundled Mail, iCal and Address Book applications. Given that Exchange is a Microsoft technology, why is it that Windows 7 doesn't include a built-in mail client with Exchange support?
"With Windows we provide choice around which software applications users want to have. Many PC manufacturers will offer Office 2007 Professional or Small Business editions if the user needs them, both of which contain Outlook. Many consumers will find that for most mail needs, Windows live would be great, several PC manufacturers are already shipping Windows live pre-installed on their machines meaning that users have access to a suite of great applications."
Q) Apple boasts that its OS X install base has risen in the past two years from 25 million to 75 million. That threefold increase sounds impressive, despite the fact that many of the quoted users are using a trimmed-down derivative of OS X on their iPhone or iPod touch. Are you concerned by the growth of OS X, and do you care to offer any numbers of your own?
"Windows has around 1.2 billion users worldwide helping to connect people whether it be at work or at home. Consumers have shown continued demand for Windows whether it be for Windows 7, Vista or XP. One example of this is in the Netbook category of PC that Windows had no market share of when first launched. We introduced Windows XP on these devices nearly a year ago and have grown our share of the category to in excess of 85% due to massive consumer demand for Windows."
Q) The public reception of Windows Vista frankly couldn't have been worse, yet Microsoft stated that the operating system sold 20 million copies in its first month at retail - double the amount of first-month Windows XP sales in 2001. Given the positive early reaction to Windows 7, with what quantity of first-month sales would you be satisfied?
"We have not set targets at this stage. We are hoping that users that have taken the opportunity to use or see Windows 7 in either the Beta or Release candidate will want to upgrade or buy the full product when we release on the 22nd of October."
Q) You've previously told us that the already-available Windows 7 Release Candidate is feature complete. Looking back at the years of development, which features - if any - didn't make it into the final release, and will they make a return for Windows 8?
"To be honest not entirely sure what was taken out. We did make some changes between beta and RC Based on customer and partner feedback, we have also made some alterations to the code, including the removal of Bluetooth audio support, Guest Mode and AutoRun for non-optical drives."
Q) Apple appears to have taken a very aggressive stance on its Snow Leopard pricing. It'll be making the software available as an upgrade to existing customers for just $29. Furthermore, a five-license family pack will be offered at just $49. Considering that both Snow Leopard and Windows 7 are considered by many to be hugely refined versions of their predecessors, how competitive will Windows 7's pricing be, and how important do you consider a family pack to be?
"We have not announced what our plans for launch are yet, but always seek to offer our customers a competitive price based on all associated costs, including any additional hardware requirements. We are currently finalising pricing and will communicate out to our partners as we get closer to the launch."
Microsoft, clearly, is keeping its Windows 7 launch strategy closely under wraps. What's interesting, however, is that the software giant appears to be quietly confident over the future of its upcoming release. Unlike Vista, Microsoft appears not to be making bold claims, and there's no hint of a repeat of the infamous "wow starts now" marketing. Instead, it seems to want to let Windows 7 speak for itself - a strategy that so far seems to be working well.
Furthermore, Microsoft appears - outwardly, at least - to be impassive to jibes from rivals such as Apple, almost hinting at a sense of over confidence. We'd suggest Microsoft not count its chickens just yet, but with the industry hoping for a boost led by Windows 7, its self-assurance is likely to be comforting to its partners.
Our thanks go to Laurence for taking part in the Q&A and for offering his thoughts on Windows 7.
