In addition to this, Guggenheimer announced that Microsoft will make available an upgrade option under a Windows upgrade programme, so partners can offer customers the ability to purchase a Windows Vista-based personal computer (PC) and install Windows 7 when it is ready.

“Consumers can buy that new PC, whether for a student heading off to college or just because they need a new one, and know they’ll get Windows 7 as part of the deal,” he said. The actual start date for the programme will be announced when it is ready for consumers, and partners are ready to provide details to customers.

Today’s keynote address is Guggenheimer’s second at Computex. The last time he spoke at the show, he had just taken over the helm of OEM, the division that works with hardware manufacturers worldwide to integrate Microsoft technologies and bring PCs, laptops, mobile handsets and other devices to life.

Although the economic realities of the past year have created new challenges for customers, partners and the IT industry, Guggenheimer said the power of innovation, through both software and broad collaboration with partners, will continue to benefit consumers, the industry and the economy at large.

“What we’re doing with Windows will continue to improve people’s lives so that that technology enables them to communicate better, make tasks simpler and new things possible,” he said. “Our partners in the hardware space, our competitors in software— the entire industry is doing incredible things.”