Close on the heels of the launch of Windows 7 in late October, came reports from various market analysts on how the latest OS will help herald a revival of the PC market. It sounded pretty far-fetched that one software can have such a huge impact on a market that has been dipping down in unit sales.

Of course, the PC makers are all optimistic that the new operating system will encourage more customers to opt for the latest machines, which will now be shipped with this latest platform. Microsoft itself believes that more than 100 different Windows 7 PCs will be launched in India by November, 2009.

According to IDC, the Indian PC market grew by 5.2 percent in AMJ 2009, which is a substantial drop of 15 percent as compared to the same period the last fiscal. But it is still unclear how Win 7 will give a bigger push to PC sales.

It is likely that some of the home users might opt for Win 7 based machines, either buoyed by the feedback from various sources, especially based on positive opinion about its features. But enterprises, which are still holding on to their purse strings, are not likely to open it merely because of the features of the OS.

Microsoft claimed that more than 1,000 enterprises in India are currently deploying Windows 7, including Infosys, Maruti, Wipro, Big Cinemas, Biocon, MindTree, NIIT, L&T ECC and GMR Infrastructure, among others. Some companies like Dell have also unveiled consulting, management and support services designed to help organisations migrate to the Windows 7 operating system.

The one silver lining, which is visible is that some clients in almost every verticals are now willing to consider investing in those solutions that might cut down manageability issues and will translate into some earnings.

VINITA BHATIA vinitavs@cybermedia.co.in

This could well be the argument solution providers can provide to their clients, especially those companies that are stuck with XP or are unhappy with Vista. But it will take a lot of convincing, nonetheless.

It is premature to talk about the impact Windows 7 will have on the industry, and whether it will be the hero that most analysts are pegging it to be, for the PC market's revival. Some of the solution providers I spoke to who had the chance to use the OS were happy with its robust features.

But they preferred to reserve their comments on whether Win 7 will help them convert reticent customers into those willing to shell out to upgrade their systems.

In the meantime, I would be glad to hear your opinion on the impact Win 7 will have on your business-in a tangible or intangible fashion.

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