Microsoft Windows 7 vs. Apple Snow Leopard in upgrade wars |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Microsoft Windows 7 vs. Apple Snow Leopard in upgrade wars
Apple spent part of its WorldWide Developers Conference this morning detailing Snow Leopard, the upcoming version of its Mac OS X operating system -- including plans to release it in September as a $29 upgrade for people running Mac OS X Leopard. That's about month before Microsoft plans to come out with its new Windows 7 operating system.
Microsoft isn't yet talking about pricing for Windows 7, but early clues suggest the cost of upgrading to it from Windows Vista is likely to be more than the price of upgrading from Leopard to Snow Leopard. A leaked Best Buy memo, obtained last week by Engadget, said the retailer would presell Windows 7 Home Premium upgrades for $49.99 and Windows 7 Professional upgrades for $99.99.
Mac and Windows fans will debate the relative value of the two operating-system updates, but the bottom line is that each is an incremental advance over its predecessor, said Michael Gartenberg, vice president of strategy and analysis at Interpret LLC in New York.
It remains to be seen how the difference will impact the market, he said, but Apple customers will probably end up happier than Windows customers when they see the upgrade prices. "Apple’s announcement is a much more realistic assessment of how an interim OS upgrade should be priced," Gartenberg said via phone after watching the WWDC keynote in San Francisco this morning.
At the same time, Microsoft and its partners are clearly adapting Windows 7 upgrade pricing to reflect the economy. The $49.99 Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade planned by Best Buy compares to a standard $129.99 upgrade price for Windows Vista Home Premium.
Bill Veghte, the Microsoft senior vice president in charge of the PC Windows business, didn't offer or confirm any specific numbers at a UBS technology investment conference this morning. However, in terms of pricing philosophy, he said the idea is to make the shift from Windows Vista to Windows 7 "a very smooth upgrade."
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
