MORE MALAYSIANS TO ENJOY WINDOWS VISTA HOME PREMIUM

Revised pricing for Windows Vista increases relevance of the software in Microsoft's drive for digital lifestyle in Malaysia.
KT Ng, Director, Client Business Group, Business Marketing Organization, Microsoft Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur, April 15, 2008 – As one of the foremost proponents of bridging the digital divide, and a firm believer in empowering the masses, Microsoft has taken yet another significant step towards fulfilling its mission by announcing a price revision for its popular Operating System (OS), Windows Vista.

Microsoft firmly believes that the increased affordability of Windows Vista Home Premium will enhance digital empowerment to a wider cross-section of Malaysian consumers and users and allow more to experience the rich features of a digital lifestyle. It will also ensure consumers and users' computer are well protected from security attacks.

In Asia, Malaysia is the only market to enjoy the adjusted pricing offered thru local IT partners, and is one of the only two countries in the world to adopt this strategy. Depending on the editions of the Windows Vista, price adjustments range from 10 to almost 50 percent. This is reflected in its OEM licensing offering, a move which presents the easiest and most attractively-priced option for purchasing Windows Vista preinstalled in a PC, as well as its stand-alone retail packs.

According to Mr. KT Ng, Director, Client Business Group, Business Marketing Organization, the strategy will also increases the product's relevance to the mainstream IT industry in view of the dropping prices of computer hardware and peripherals. As a result, the overall package is now more affordable to consumers, in addition to increasing user confidence in its genuine products.

"We are not just bridging the digital divide. We're going beyond that by taking steps to bridge it with products that are affordable and which contribute positively to users' experience with rich features and in a secure environment. We're empowering Malaysians with the tools to enjoy a truly digital lifestyle," Ng said.

"The price of computers and peripherals are becoming increasingly lower - this is one of the ways we are making Windows Vista Home Premium more relevant to the industry. This strategy will also allow consumers to enjoy genuine, premium Windows software with increased confidence, while reducing reasons for consumers to resort to unlicensed copies," Mr Ng continued.

He added, "Unlicensed copies of Windows Vista are barred from receiving constant updates and security enhancements, and this leaves users' computers open to security attacks. Regular updates are offered free to owners of genuine copies of Vista. And because of the price adjustment, Windows Vista Home Premium is now available to a wider segment of the market - basically a case of more for less. We're making Windows Vista Home Premium the software of choice amongst consumers."

With Windows Vista Home Premium, Malaysians can enjoy additional features such as Windows Media Center, a whole new level of security, Windows Aero desktop, automated defences against malicious software and fraudulent websites, the ability to collaborate and share documents plus DVD and high-definition movie creation capabilities.

"The price revision not only enables more consumers and users to own a genuine and premium copy of Windows Vista Home Premium, it also goes a long way in helping partners sell genuine software that is also affordable. At such a price point, there is virtually no reason for users and consumers to start with anything less than Windows Vista Home Premium. More Malaysians can now get to enjoy rich multimedia and computing functions," said Mr Danny Lee, Country General Manager, Personal Systems Group, HP Malaysia.

Ricky Tan, General Manager, Acer Malaysia, agreed. "In addition to benefiting consumers, partners and resellers will also be able to enhance its competitive edge with the price adjustment, as we are now able to offer even more competitive packages. Basically, this means more Malaysians will have access to genuine premium Microsoft software. This is especially so in view of the growth in PC shipments."

Since March 2008, Windows Vista Home Premium has been preinstalled with Service Pack 1 (SP1). SP1 focuses on improvements to reliability, security and performance, with very few changes made to the operating system. Featuring innovative security and safety features, stunning design, fast and simple search and organization tools and improved reliability, Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 is certainly the best Windows ever. And with Windows Media Center2 and special mobility features, Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 will provide more ways to enjoy users' favorite digital music, photos, and movies – even recorded TV – at home and on the go. It also makes users' PC safer, more entertaining, reliable and rewarding than ever.

SP1 is offered at no charge to users with genuine copies of Windows Vista. Current users of Windows Vista can update their OS with SP1 via a download from Windows Update or from the Microsoft Download Centre. Microsoft has already started to disseminate DVDs of SP1 publicly since the Windows Server 2008 launch event on April 8. Users can also request for an SP1 DVD from www.microsoft.com/malaysia from May 1 onwards.

For further information please visit www.microsoft.com/malaysia or call 1800-88-6295.