Windows 7 to roll out in Malaysia in October

Windows 7, the new version of Microsoft's operating system, is set to enter the Malaysian market in October 2009.

The software product is also expected be among the key revenue contributors to Microsoft (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd for its financial year ending June 30, 2010.

"It is one of our key products and a key contributor to revenue," chief marketing and operations officer Yasir Yousuff told reporters here today.

For the current financial year, he said that Microsoft was cautiously optimistic about prospects amid the current tough economic environment.
"This is due to our technological innovation commitment," Yasir said, adding that Microsoft allocated the highest investment in research and development (R&D) of US$9.5 billion (RM33 billion) globally in efforts to help customers realise greater cost savings and operational efficiencies.

"Innovation is more than just invention. It is about the enhancement of invention to save customers money while enjoying greater productivity and efficiencies," he said.

According to Yasir, technological innovation has always been a competitive advantage for Microsoft, helping the company to grow despite the current economic uncertainties.

In conjunction with the global launch of Windows 7, Microsoft will also launch the Windows Server 2008 R2 network operating system at the same time.

The two new products are targeted at individual users, small and medium businesses, and enterprises, and designed to enhance productivity and security as well as reduce costs.

Currently, the products are in the release-to-manufacture mode with Western Digital and AirAsia among the early adopters in this country.

Research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) has projected over 80 per cent of information technology (IT) professionals to move to Windows 7 within 30 months.

IDC also expects 50 per cent of enterprises to upgrade to Windows 7 upon availability, Yasir said.

He said with about 95 per cent market share of the local desktop operating system market, Microsoft expects the same momentum in Malaysia.