Microsoft recently announced that it will be offering an inexpensive $15 upgrade option for Windows 8.
For mere pocket change, you can reserve a copy of the fancy new OS, which will be a modern version of the Windows 95 concept from 1994. Of course, it’s a matter of perception whether $15 is a great offer or not. There is no doubt, though, that it is another brilliant marketing and sales strategy.
The upgrade offer is in effect now and will continue until January 31, 2013. Windows 8 Pro can be purchased for a mere $14.99 by those who will be buying a “qualifying Windows 7 PC” in the near future. There is no such upgrade option for those who bought a Windows 7 PC prior to June 2. (Such upgrades are a tradition at Microsoft.) Microsoft made the announcement that the revenue derived from such a program will be deferred to the next quarter in order to compensate for a possible dip in OEM revenues – in this case, lower seasonal Q1 sales.