Microsoft opens the Vista upgrade path

 

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By Alun Williams

Posted on 18 Jan 2007 at 15:42

Ahead of the consumer launch of Vista, on 30 January, Microsoft is trying three new ways to encourage people down the upgrade path.

As well as making Windows Vista and the 2007 Office release available for direct download, there will be the chance to automatically upgrade editions, for example from Vista Home Premium to Vista Ultimate. Finally, there is also a time-limited offer - aimed at multi-PC households - enabling cheaper multiple purchases of Vista for those who buy a boxed retail copy.

The new schemes are entitled: Windows Anytime Upgrade, Windows Marketplace and Windows Vista Family Discount, respectively.

Note, however, that the last option will only be available in the US and Canada, running for six months up to 30 June 2007.

'These new programs give our customers more flexibility and choice to ensure they get the edition that's right for them,' said the general manager of Windows Client Marketing at Microsoft, Brad Brooks. 'We're excited to announce three new ways to make the purchase and upgrade experience easier than ever.'

Going into more detail, the following versions will be available from www.windowsmarketplace.com, at RRP pricing: Vista Business, Vista Home Basic,Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate, Office Home and Student 2007, Office Professional 2007 and Office Standard 2007. It uses 'digital locker' technology, to store purchased software and license keys.

The Windows Anytime Upgrade programme reveals some interesting information - that additional Vista functionality is throttled back within the more 'basic' editions, ready to be unlocked with a digital key. For example Windows Vista Ultimate functionality will be present within Vista Home releases. Users will be able to automatically unlock increased functionality via an online transaction.

The process will be to click on the 'Windows Anytime Upgrade' option in the Start menu, select the desired upgrade edition, purchase a digital key, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade...

What also comes to mind, however, is that this will be an obvious bait for hackers? How long will it be before this ability to unlock greater functionality is cracked? We shall see.

Upgrade prices are: Home Basic to Home Premium $79, Home Basic to Ultimate $199, Home Premium to Ultimate $159 and Business to Ultimate $139. After launch, more info will be available at www.windowsanytimeupgrade.com.

What do you think about the new programmes, will they encourage you towards Vista? Leave your comments via the link below.