MS announces Windows Vista and 2007 Office System

Microsoft launched its Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System recently. The
products, are designed to 'wow' consumers with enhanced security, integrated
search and overall improved performance. Microsoft claimed that Windows Vista
and 2007 Office System will transform the way people use technology to
communicate, connect, create and share content and access entertainment.

Announcing the launch Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman, Microsoft India said, “Today's
global launch of Windows Vista and Microsoft 2007 Office System truly gives
credence to our vision for the future of personal computing.”

The two flagship products, which were released for business customers on Nov
30, 2006 will be available in retail stores across 30 countries. In India
specifically, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including HCL, HP, Lenovo,
Sahara, Wipro and Zenith are launching a range of Vista compatible PCs to
provide people with the widest range of hardware options.

The Windows Vista and 2007 Office platform will be made available in several
editions targeted at specific user groups and addressing all segments of the
market. Specifically, Windows Vista, with its visual sophistication and elements
like enhanced connectivity, virus protection and secure-boot, is available in
four consumer editions:

• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• lWindows Vista Starter.

The new version of Microsoft's Windows desktop platform is being shipped in
over 18 languages including Hindi. Among the Indian languages, support for 13
more Indian languages including Telugu and Marathi, is expected by early 2008.
Microsoft 2007 Office System with two consumer editions-Office Home &
Student 2007 and Office Basic 2007 is also expected soon.

Neelam Dhawan, MD, Microsoft India Ltd commented, “We are excited about the
support we have received from our partners. There are already more than 1.5
million devices and peripherals in the market that work with Windows Vista,
including more than 2,000 that are Windows Vista Certified. This is
unprecedented momentum within the ecosystem, and we will continue to invest in
the community so that partners and customers can benefit from the myriad
opportunities offered by Windows Vista and 2007 Office System.”

One of the features of Windows Vista and 2007 Office is innovations in
interface design that transform the desktop. New capabilities also make it easy
for anyone to create and share digital content, allow more fun with photos,
music and videos, and help participate in digital communities by posting blogs,
creating websites or playing games online.

Windows Vista will also enable consumers to redefine the breadth of their
entertainment exposure and experience, enabling them to access content from
television to video games to music and movies-on their own terms and according
to their own schedule. Communi­cation will be richer and more convenient with
the PC as the hub for keeping in touch with family, friends and colleagues using
e-mail, voice or video.

DQC News Bureau