We are pleased to announce the final Windows 7 SKU plan. Our SKU line-up is based on listening carefully to feedback from you—our partners and your customers. These are the main points you made, along with the ways we are addressing your feedback in Windows 7:
- Customers wanted clarity on which version of Windows is the right version for them.
For clarity, Windows 7 will be offered primarily in 2 editions: Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional.
- Customers wanted upgrading to a different SKU to be easier.
For easy upgrading, in Windows 7 we are using a single image for all SKUs. This means the bits for all the editions are already on your computer if you are running Windows 7. With Windows Anytime Upgrade, users can unlock and upgrade to a different SKU much easier than before.
- Customers did not like losing features when upgrading to a different SKU.
In Windows 7, each SKU is a superset of the previous SKU. No features are lost on upgrade.
- One size does not fit all—particularly with a billion users and thousands of partners around the world.
We are addressing the specialized needs for customers in specific markets with Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, and Windows 7 Ultimate.
The Windows 7 Superset Model: each higher-level SKU includes all of the features in the previous level's SKU.
Primary SKUs for System Builders: Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional
Windows 7 Home Premium
- Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited 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.
- Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.
- Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).
- Mobility Center is included.
- 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 This SKU includes all of the features in Windows 7 Home Premium, plus:
- Domain Join enables *** 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.
Additional SKUs
Windows 7 Starter (limited distribution)
- 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 Home Basic (emerging market) This SKU includes all of the features in Windows 7 Starter, plus:
- Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.
- Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).
- Mobility Center is included.
Windows 7 Ultimate This SKU includes all of the features in Windows 7 Professional, plus:
- 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.
