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Windows 7 Might Be Coming Up Sevens

Advanced, Free and Paid Online Tools and Comprehensive Migration Services From Microsoft Certified Tech Experts Will Cut Cost, Time, and Hassle of Moving to Windows 7

By PATRICK SEITZ, 10 October, 2009

By PATRICK SEITZ, INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY( October 14, 2009) -Microsoft's (MSFT) release next week of Windows 7, the new version of its flagship computer operating system, appears well-timed, as signs point to a refresh cycle starting in personal computers.

A poll of more than 500 consumers by tech support company iYogi found that 61% of respondents said they plan to upgrade to Windows 7 at some point, most before the end of 2010.

And comments late Tuesday from top executives at computer maker Dell (DELL) and chip leader Intel (INTC) bolstered the view that a tech spending recovery is at hand.

Microsoft hopes the Oct. 22 launch of Windows 7 will erase the memory of its poorly received predecessor, Windows Vista.

The debut of Windows Vista in November 2006 was marred by complaints of its slow performance, rich hardware requirements and lack of compatibility with many peripherals and software programs.

Dell Chief Executive Michael Dell said Tuesday the business climate is improving and that a "powerful" hardware refresh cycle will kick in early next year. At an event in Santa Clara, Calif., Dell said the server refresh cycle was already under way and is stronger than expected and that PCs will follow suit.

Intel executives, on a conference call with analysts Tuesday to discuss the company's better-than-expected third-quarter results, said the personal computer business is rebounding from its deepest slump in nearly a decade. Intel forecast a return to year-over-year revenue growth in the fourth quarter after four straight quarters of declines. It gave a sales outlook range for the quarter that surpassed analyst views by at least $200 million.

The solid outlook and positive statements helped send Intel and Dell shares rising more than 1.6% on Wednesday.

Put it all together, and computer executives seem to be as optimistic as they've been in more than a year.

"There are a number of trends that will initiate a refresh cycle," said Todd Forsythe, vice president of Dell's commercial client product group. "First, there's aging infrastructure at our customer sites. What we're hearing from our customers is that increasingly they're growing concerned that the aging infrastructure is actually going to cost them more than refreshing with new desktops and notebooks."

Second, there's pent-up demand for the new Windows and the features it brings, including better security, Forsythe says.

IYogi, which serves consumers and small businesses, says 36% of consumers plan to upgrade to Windows 7 on their existing machines.