The optimism stems from an improved business outlook. With this optimism, companies are also considering upgrading their IT systems to increase productivity and control costs, explained Microsoft. For some users, an upgrade is expected as they have not upgraded in years.
"The need to reduce costs and boost productivity are demands faced by IT managers around the world," said Andrew Pickup, chief marketing officer, Microsoft Asia Pacific. "There's clear evidence that Windows 7 helps organisations save money with research showing that companies can save US$140, per PC, per year with Windows 7 while increasing the productivity of their core asset: their people."
Consumers are also upbeat with an optimistic business outlook, the company said. Consumers have a wide range of options as many of the hardware companies are bundling Windows 7.
Worldwide, Windows 7 has sold more than 240 million licences, translating to more than seven copies sold per second.
The goal of more than 40 per cent installation in computers in the region has been set for 2011. In the corporate sector, the target is to have around 1.5 million PCs in businesses across Asia in the same period.
"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.
Aside from aiming to increase productivity and cut operational costs, Microsoft said companies are moving to Windows 7 for security and user satisfaction.