Microsoftis slashing the cost of
retail versions ofWindows Vistaas it prepares the
channel for the release ofService Pack 1of the operating
system.
The price decreases come just a year after Vista's launch, and
will help resellers move Vista stock not pre-loaded with the
forthcoming service pack.
Microsoft also hopes that the price decreases will be offset by
vastly increased sales for the retail software, although boxed
versions of the operating system make up about 10% of Vista sales,
with most users buying a new PC with the software preloaded.
The international price cuts - which have not been confirmed for
the UK market - cover upgrades to more fully featured versions of
Vista too. Only prices cuts in the US have so far been
reported.
Reuters reports that Microsoft will cut the price of
Windows Vista Ultimate - the most expensive and feature-rich
version of the operating system - from the US equivalent of £200 to
£160. The upgrade price will fall from £130 to £110.
The upgrade version of Vista Home Premium will fall from the US
equivalent of £120 to £65, says Reuters.
