Microsoft has officially announced the Windows 7 “Upgrade Option Program” for Home and Small Businesses when they purchase a qualifying computer with Windows Vista from June 26th.
Under the program, designated PCs pre-installed with “premium versions” of Windows Vista will qualify for licenses of the equivalent Windows 7 product.
“There is a lot of excitement for Windows 7 in the marketplace today. However, many consumers need a new Windows PC for school, work or home before October 22,” said Brad Brooks, corporate vice president, Windows consumer marketing at Microsoft. “So starting June 26th, any customer who buys a PC from a participating computer maker or retailer with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate will also receive an upgrade to the corresponding version of Window 7 at little or no cost.”
Under the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program, the following Windows Vista versions will correspond to the following Windows 7 upgrade equivalents:
Windows Vista Home Premium -> Windows 7 Home Premium
Windows Vista Business -> Windows 7 Professional
Windows Vista Ultimate -> Windows 7 Ultimate
Computers pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Basic are not eligible for the “Upgrade Option Program”.