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The last few years have seen Microsoft lose some of its glitter as its Vista operating system didn’t impress many users. Microsoft though are keen to bounce back and re-affirm their status as the dominant player in the operating system market with Windows 7. Here, we examine Microsoft's latest OS after its Middle East launch.

Windows Vista, for many, was a disaster. With its Vista OS not being well received, it gave traction to other players in the market to take hold of the OS sphere. The likes of Apple and Linux operating systems such as Debian and Ubuntu began to assume greater prominence while the anti-Windows vitriol grew ever stronger.

It was with much anticipation then that Windows 7 was launched on 22 October 2009. Globally, Microsoft tried to create much hype around it by having actual ‘launch parties’ and with the company’s advertising campaign that emphasized how users have shaped the development of the operating system. One of the popular ‘catch-phrases’ in this advertising campaign has been “I’m a PC and Windows 7 was my idea”.

Here in the Middle East, the launch of Windows 7 was preceded by GITEX Technology Week 2009. The OS was being shown off at the Shopper and Trade events in Dubai. So, when the launch date rolled over, much of the Middle East could copies of the OS in retail outlets such as Carrefour.

In terms of the versions available in Middle East; Wilson Xavier, Business Group Manager, Microsoft Gulf, says, “we have Windows 7 starter for netbooks, we have Windows 7 home premium for typical home user, Windows 7 professional for a smart home user. Then it branches out into two: Windows 7 Ultimate for IT enthusiasts, and high-end consumer, and Windows 7 enterprise for large enterprises”.

The software leader has also released Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 and Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 in its new range of products. Microsoft Exchange 2010 is the latest version of the software company's premier enterprise messaging and collaboration solution, featuring new deployment and storage options, enhanced inbox management capabilities and e-mail archiving built in. Furthermore, the launch in the Middle East will also have a road show whereby in the second or third week of November where Microsoft will have a “World tour launch experience across gulf” roadshow in the second and third week of November 2009 in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. The road show will target an IT decision making audience, such as IT management, IT Pros and IT partners.

Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate Vice President of the OEM Division at Microsoft, told GITEX Times: "This is another milestone for the company. Our customers asked to make the system simpler and easier to use. Over eight million people tested the system."

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