Windows 7 Cuts Costs 20%, Microsoft ClaimsWindows 7 Cuts Costs 20%, Microsoft Claims

Windows 7's stability, user friendliness, and remote management capabilities mean organizations that install the OS on their workers' personal computers can cut PC support costs by up to 20%, Microsoft said Monday.

Microsoft also claimed that, based on early user feedback, Windows 7 can save companies $70 to $160 per PC in support costs and up to two hours per machine in support time annually.

Additionally, Windows 7's energy efficiency means enterprises can save about $50 per PC in annual electricity costs.

"Companies are realizing power savings with Windows 7 that add to the direct savings in IT labor," said Windows senior product manager Gavriella Schuster, in a blog post Monday. "We are happy to see so much excitement from early Windows 7 adopters, showing the real value Windows 7 provides enterprises," said Schuster.

Early adopters surveyed by Microsoft include the City of Miami, Getronics, and UK professional services firm Baker Tilly.

Schuster did not state whether the calculated savings were arrived at by comparing Windows 7 to Windows Vista, which has a reputation for being finicky and trouble-prone, or the more mature Windows XP operating system.

Also Monday, Microsoft said it plans to release a set of tools in late October designed to help enterprises deploy Windows 7.

The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack 2009, R2 features several components that aim to support advanced deployment strategies such as remote desktop imaging and virtualization. MDOP 2009, R2 will be available to Microsoft's corporate software subscribers, as well as MSDN and TechNet members.

Windows 7 is already available to many enterprise users, and will roll out to the public on Oct. 22nd.

The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119. The full version of Windows 7 Professional is $299, with upgrades going for $199. Windows 7 Ultimate is priced at $319, with the upgrade version at $219.

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