Can Windows 7 Revise Consumer Approval?

Seattle - Due to an increase in demand, Microsoft removed the 2.5 million limit that was originally put on downloads of Windows 7 Beta 1. The release of Windows 7 Beta 1 was supposed to be on Friday, but due to heavy traffic, it was delayed to Saturday. The traffic required Microsoft to increase its servers and bandwidth to meet the demand. Since the delay upset many users, Microsoft is now allowing unlimited downloads of the software through January 24. Users will be able access the beta even if the download number surpasses the 2.5 million limit.

The original plan was to restrict the number of activations to limit the test pool. Now, Microsoft is just making Windows 7 available for two weeks. If fewer than 2.5 million people request and receive the activation keys during the two week period, Microsoft will extend the offer until the 2.5 million limit is reached. But this scenario is not likely, the 2.5 million limit is more likely to be exceeded.

Users will probably still be able to download the system after January 24, because Microsoft does not usually remove its previews from its servers. It relies on the activation key limits. Users who get the system after Microsoft stops giving out the keys can install it and run it under Microsoft’s usual 30-day trial policy. The trial period can also be extended to 120 days, by using the same “slmgr-rearm” command used when Window’s Vista was released.

As of Monday morning, there was no difficulties reported in reaching the download page, receiving activation keys or initiating downloads of the new system.

Many users provided very positive feedback on this situation.

At the Consumer Electronics Show that took place last week, Steve Ballmet, Microsoft’s CEO, announced the release of Windows 7 Beta 1. He described it as, “the best version of Windows ever.” Longer battery life, quicker boot times, and better reliability are strengths of Windows 7 Beta, in response to complaints of Windows Vista.

Todd Swank, director of Marketing at NorTech, a Minnesota based company, said, “I actually think Vista has received way more criticism than was warranted, but it will certainly be great to have a new operating system to discuss with customers that doesn’t have the baggage and the perceptions that Vista has.” He added, “Assuming Windows 7 has all the benefits of Vista, has all the new features being promised, and is as stable as XP, I think many, many customers will be ready to finally start transitioning to a new Microsoft operating system.”

Microsoft stated that it plans to release Windows in the later part of 2009 or early part of 2010, but some people think it could be earlier than that to start selling computers with the program during the 2009 holiday season.

Microsoft’s decision to use a time limit on Windows 7 beta’s availability is a common practice that it has used in the past. Over two years ago, when Microsoft released Windows Vista Beta 2, it was available for just over three weeks.