News Article - 24 May 2012
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The take-up of Microsoft's Windows Vista during its first year in the market could outpace the rate at which users switched to Windows XP, an expert has claimed.

Up to 15 per cent of computer users are expected to switch to the platform during the first year of its availability, compared with the 12-14 per cent who changed to Windows XP, making Vista "the fastest-moving operating system ever", David Mitchell of technology advice firm Ovum told PC Advisor.

"On the consumer side, there has been a bit of pent-up demand. Just look at the beta adoption in the consumer space - it's very high," he added.

The uptake rate of Microsoft's Office 2007 is expected to be lower than the adoption rate of Vista according to Mr Mitchell, who said that users buying a new PC would be getting a copy of Vista rather than Office, adding that the original equipment manufacturer drag effect would not occur.

Microsoft is to provide consumers with Vista upgrade coupons if they purchase a new PC before the platform is released to the public.

The coupons will allow individuals and small businesses to upgrade their PCs to Windows Vista from Windows XP at a free or discounted rate, the publication reports.

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