Microsoft Windows 7 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Microsoft Windows 7 - Research Paper Example Data indicate that Windows 7 helped Microsoft to increase its market share to some extent although some users are dissatisfied with the features of this new version operating system. It offers a number of packages including Starter, Home basic, Home premium, Enterprise, Ultimate, and Professional. The company is using a distinct marketing strategy to promote the sales of Windows 7. This paper will analyze the various feature of Windows 7 on the ground of its market strengths and supply chain management. MS Windows 7 Microsoft Windows 7 was released on 22nd July 2009. It is interesting to note that the company made Windows 7 available to general retail outlets within less than three years after the launch of its predecessor, Windows Vista. By the release of Windows 7, the company aimed to be more compatible with numerous other technologically developed applications and hardware. This new operating system focuses on multi-touch support, a redesigned Windows shell with a Superbar, and a home networking system named HomeGroup (Microsoft Windows, para: 3-5). It contains several measures to promote performance improvements. It must be noted that some standard applications included in the previous versions of MS Windows including Windows Movie Maker, Windows Mail, Windows Photo Gallery are excluded in Windows 7. Microsoft has added numerous new features to Windows 7 including handwriting recognition, virtual hard disk support, improved multi-core processors and boot performance, DirectAccess, and kernel modifications; and in addition to this, a new version of Windows Media Center, highly developed media features, and a new calculator with multiple capabilities have been added to Windows 7(InfoWorld). Similarly, Windows 7 is characterized with notable Control Panel feature changes. It integrates improved features such as Display Color Calibration Wizard, Recovery, Gadgets, Workspaces Center, Credential Manager, ClearTye Text Tuner, System Icons, Biometric Services, and Location and Other Sensors to Control Panel; and the addition of Windows Imaging Component enables Windows 7 to support images produced in the RAW image format. Significant changes to taskbar functions have been also made (InfoWorld). This product strictly complies with US and European antitrust regulations and provides users with safe internet browsing options. Following the launch of Windows 7, the company got exciting response from the market. Within 8 hours of Windows 7 launch, its pre-orders at amazon.co.uk surpassed the number of those had with Windows Vista in its first 17 weeks. It became the highest pre-order level in the history of Amazon, breaking the record of seventh Harry Potter book. Windows 7 took only less than three weeks to reach a 4% market share whereas its predecessor Windows Vista took nearly seven months to achieve the same. As of 23rd April 2010, Microsoft sold more than 100 million Windows 7 operating systems across the globe and the sales volume grew to 5 25 million copies by 19th January 2012. Reviews of Windows 7 reflect increased usability and functionality as its major advantages attracting users. The CNET rated Windows 7 Home Premium 4.5 out of 5 stars whereas it was rated 4 out of 5 by the PC Magazine. The CNET stated that â€Å"it is more that what Vista should have been, [and] it is where Microsoft needed to go† (â€Å"The City is Alive†, para: 5). Another catching feature of Windows 7 is