Text Size

Ballmer sees little help from Windows 7 for PC sales

updated 11:40 am EDT, Wed October 7, 2009

Ballmer views only small gain from Win 7

Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer today cast doubt on the likelihood that the imminent release of Windows 7 will spur growth in computer sales. He told those at a Munich press event that he still anticipates a bump in sales from those waiting for the new OS but that it would "probably not be huge." The economy is blamed for the hesitation as Ballmer doesn't see the industry fully recovering for a significant amount of time.

The forecast poses a potential danger for Microsoft as the company is counting on the release of Windows 7 to offset two quarters of revenue declines and its first ever annual drop in revenue, all of which was triggered by drops in sales for its core Windows business. Reluctance was compounded by the poor economy but was initially triggered by fears of incompatibility and slow performance with Windows Vista.

Apple hasn't predicted its own unit shipments but should have received a boost this summer with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and usually gets a significant lift from holiday sales.

 
Previous Comments

Why would it

10/07, 12:03pm (1 reply) reply

When was the last time anyone waited around for an OS (regardless of Windows or Mac) before they bought a computer? First you're waiting around for the OS to ship. Then you're waiting longer because it got pushed back. Then it gets announced/GTM'd and now you've still got months to wait for it to hit the shelves and new computers. Then you're waiting even longer to make sure it has no serious issues with your core applications or the OS itself.

These days, people just buy their freakin' computer and be done with it. Esp. since, like now, the OSes on them have the 'free upgrade' offer to the next version whenever it is released.

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

0

uh oh

10/07, 12:36pm reply

well ballmer is wrong about everything he says.... maybe he realized this, so he is saying that it won't have an effect so that it will have an effect....

NOOOOOOO

byRyan

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jun 2007

+3

Maybe he just took

10/07, 12:42pm reply

his meds? :D

Flying Meat

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2007

+3

Clueless tard

10/07, 01:20pm reply

Since when had Monkey Boy been right about anything? I'm sure Bill cringes every time he opens his mouth.

Mr. Strat

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2002

+3

I can't wait

10/07, 01:42pm reply

to have my Windows 7 party

climacs

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2001

+6

good sign

10/07, 03:14pm reply

I'm actually thrilled to hear Balmer say this, with his track record for predictions, this must mean that economic uplift is eminent

Kees

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2001

+2

Wrong Again, Magilla!

10/07, 08:55pm reply

The imminent release of Windows 7 most certainly WILL spur growth in computer sales. Apple computer sales.

Foe Hammer

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Feb 2005

+3

Popular News