Under the program, designated PCs pre-installed with premium versions of Windows Vista will qualify for licenses of the equivalent Windows 7 product.

Under the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program, the following Windows Vista versions will correspond to the following Windows 7 upgrade equivalents:

• Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium ($120)
• Windows Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional ($200)
• Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate ($220)

And the estimated retail prices for full packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the U.S. are:

• Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $200
• Windows 7 Professional (Full): $300
• Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $320

The Windows 7 licenses will be provided to computer manufacturers at no charge from Microsoft; some manufacturers may require some modest payment for costs such as shipping and handling. This program is generally available through January 31, 2010 from computer manufacturers and participating retail partners selling qualifying editions of Windows Vista. Customers should check with computer manufacturers and retailers for more information on specific program details.

Retail packaged Windows Vista software products may also qualify for an upgrade to the equivalent Windows 7 product with participating retailers in participating markets. The Windows 7 licenses may be offered for free or at a discounted price to qualifying customers when the Windows 7 product becomes available in the market.

For more details on Windows 7 pricing and offers, see the company's announcement at www.windowsteamblog.com.