Microsoft launches 7, Server in Cyprus

Microsoft Corp. launch its new generation of products, the Windows 7 operating system, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Exchange Server 2010.
Windows 7 was officially released on October 22, less than three years after the release of its predecessor, Vista. It’s server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2, was also released at the same time.
The launch in Nicosia was attended by IT professionals and Microsoft partners. They were welcomed by the Country Manager of Microsoft Cyprus, George Lakkotrypis, who said the launch was an important milestone towards Microsoft’s “Three-Screens and a Cloud” strategy of web-centric experiences extended through applications on the PC, the phone and on TV.
Michael Hartmann, General Manger of Microsoft CEE Multi Country HQ, analysed the new developments in the world of IT, and said that “as IT budgets are being cut, customers want to see an immediate return on investment if they spend budgets on IT and we can prove that with Windows7, Windows Server 2008 and the Microsoft Exchange 2010 platform. In fact we produce positive ROI within the first 12 months in most cases with taking out cost from operation.”
Unlike its predecessor, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being fully compatible with applications and hardware with which Vista is already compatible. Microsoft has focused on multi-touch support, a redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar, referred to as the Superbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup, and performance improvements. Some applications that have been included with prior releases of Microsoft Windows, including Calendar, Mail, Movie Maker and Photo Gallery, are not included in Windows 7. Instead, most of these are offered separately as part of the free Windows Live Essentials suite.