Windows 7 Versions – Basic is Banished From North America

Microsoft just announced that Release Candidate 1 of Windows 7 will be available on May 5th 2009 and recently they released the version information. Below is a summary.

They renamed Business back to Professional… what is the point! These meaninless changes do nothing but confuse consumers (corporate included).

Also, trying to sell 7 Starter Edition on Netbooks is a crazy bad idea for two reasons:

1. Contrary to the convensional wisdom, many many Netbooks are sold to power users
2. MS will no doubt hype the Hell out of 7’s new features and Starter will definately be major let down.

And why would BRANCH CACHE not be included in BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL… They spend all that time and money developing a cool technology and then make it available to a tiny portion of businesses… very frustrating.

Anyway… here is the list:

WINDOWS 7 STARTER – Limited Distribution – i.e. Netbook Space

• Broad application and device compatibility with up to three concurrent applications.
• Safe, reliable, and supported .
• Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.
• Improved taskbar and JumpLists .

WINDOWS 7 BASIC – Emerging Markets – i.e. not Canada or the U.S. (thank God!)

• Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).
• Mobility Center is included.

WINDOWS 7 HOME PREMIUM – Everywhere – i.e. Retail

• Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation.
• Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.
• Improved media format support , enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.
• Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition.

WINDOWS 7 PROFESSIONAL – Everywhere – i.e. Business

• Domain Join enables simple and secure server networking.
• Encrypting File System protects data with advanced network backup.
• Location Aware Printing helps find the right printer when moving between the office and home

WINDOWS 7 ENTERPRISE / ULTIMATE – Everywhere – i.e. Large Business

• BitLocker protects data on removable devices.
• DirectAccess links users to corporate resources from the road without a virtual private network (VPN).
• BranchCache makes if faster to open files and Web pages from a branch office.
• AppLocker easily restricts unauthorized software and enables greater security.