Microsoft Windows 7 boxed-unit sales numbers crush Vista’s

HEXUS took a seven-part look at Windows 7. Like many professional commentators, we were impressed with what we saw, but effusive praise isn’t always inextricably linked to booming sales.

Market research company, NPD, has some interesting figures for Windows 7 vs. Vista. Based on measurements for the week of October 18-24, 2009, Windows 7 boxed unit sales, including pre-orders, were 234 per cent higher than Vista’s first-week tally.

“Microsoft’s program of early low-cost pre-sales, high visibility marketing, and aggressive deals helped make the Windows 7 software launch successful,” said Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD. “In a slow environment for packaged software Windows 7 brought a large number of customers into the software aisles.”

Revenue, though, was ‘only’ 82 per cent higher, with NPD citing pre-order discounts and a lack of promotional activity for the higher-cost Ultimate version.The best-selling Windows 7 SKUs were all upgrade packs, NPD noted, with Home Premium selling for an average $76, Professional for $147, and a three-users Home Premium upgrade for $149. – Hexus