Microsoft Unveils 3 Ways to Get Vista

Microsoft has detailed three new methods — Windows Anytime Upgrade, Windows Vista Family Discount and Windows Marketplace — for customers looking to buy, upgrade or license multiple copies of Windows Vista that will be available worldwide on January 30.

“With the consumer launch of Windows Vista so close, we’re excited to announce three new ways to make the purchase and upgrade experience easier than ever,” said Brad Brooks, general manager of Windows Client Marketing at Microsoft. “These new programs give our customers more flexibility and choice to ensure they get the edition that’s right for them.”

Windows Anytime Upgrade is a new option that allows customers to upgrade their existing edition of Windows Vista to a higher-grade edition by way of an online transaction. To use Windows Anytime Upgrade, a customer has to click on the Windows Anytime Upgrade option in the Start menu, select the desired upgrade edition, purchase it online to secure a new digital key, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.

Within Windows Anytime Upgrade, customers will be able to obtain detailed feature-by-feature information on the different Windows Vista editions, so that they can make an informed decision on whether an upgrade is right for them. The integrated desktop and e-commerce experience allows customers to go from the Windows desktop to an e-commerce shopping cart containing the upgrade path they have selected.

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Microsoft will also make Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office release available for direct download via Windows Marketplace.

Windows Vista editions offered through Windows Marketplace are available in English only, in either 32-bit or 64-bit versions. Windows Marketplace visitors also can find a wide variety of Windows-compatible hardware and software, including products carrying the Certified for Windows Vista logo. More information can be found on January 30 here.

To make it easier for households with multiple PCs to make the move to Windows Vista, Microsoft is launching a limited-time offer for customers who buy retail copies of Windows Vista Ultimate. From January 30 through June 30, the Windows Vista Family Discount will allow North American customers to license two additional copies of Windows Vista Home Premium for use on other PCs in the home at the reduced price of $49.99 each. Before completing the order online, customers will need to enter one valid full or upgrade Windows Vista Ultimate key from their retail boxed product.

After eligibility is verified online, the customer can purchase licenses to install Windows Vista Home Premium on one or two additional Windows-based computers.