"For many organisations, the last major desktop refresh was eight years ago or more and the issue facing companies today is not if, but when and how they will move to Windows 7," said Joseph Sweeney of Australian research firm IBRS.

Microsoft cited Japan where more than 8,000 companies have deployed Windows 7. In New Zealand, Microsoft claimed that more than 80 per cent of its corporate customers are doing trails with Windows 7.

The software giant also cited a study by research firm Dimensional Research which revealed that 55 per cent of IT managers have indicated that they have plans to deploy Windows 7 by yearend.

Among the companies in the region that have significantly deployed Windows 7 are Vietnam's Dai Dong Tien Corp., a plastics manufacturer; and the Philippines' ESS Manufacturing Company, Inc. (EMCI), an outsourcing company.