Microsoft announces 6 editions of Windows 7

Windows 7 is probably the best Microsoft operating system to date. We tested this operating system since its first appearance and we can confidently state that it’s much more faster than Vista’s any edition, its compatibility with software and hardware is outstanding and its performance is much better than we thought it will be. It was extremely welcomed worldwide, the vast majority of the technical blogs sung arias about Windows 7 for days.

Yet, until now Microsoft did not reveal any information about the editions or the price of Windows 7. It had to be a hard decision to take.
The information regarding the Windows 7 editions weren’t leaked, but published on the Microsoft Partner portals and can be viewed by any MS partner.

Windows 7 Editions

Windows 7 Starter:

• Broad application and device compatibility with up to three concurrent applications.
• Safe, reliable, and supported.
• Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.
• Improved taskbar and JumpLists .

This will be a limited edition. This means that it will be available for a limited time, probably distributed for a very short period of time.

Windows 7 Home Basic:

• Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.
• Safe, reliable, and supported .
• Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.
• Improved taskbar and JumpLists .
• Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.
• Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).
• Mobility Center is included.

This edition will be released only for the emerging markets.

Windows 7 Home Premium:

• Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.
• Safe, reliable, and supported .
• Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.
• Improved taskbar and JumpLists .
• Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.
• Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).
• Mobility Center is included.
• Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation.
• Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.
• Improved media format support , enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.
• Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition.

Windows 7 Professional:

• Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.
• Safe, reliable, and supported .
• Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.
• Improved taskbar and JumpLists .
• Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.
• Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).
• Mobility Center is included.
• Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation.
• Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.
• Improved media format support , enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.
• Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition.
• Domain Join enables simple and secure server networking.
• Encrypting File System protects data with advanced network backup.
• Location Aware Printing helps find the right printer when moving between the office and home.

Windows 7 Enterprise:

• Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.
• Safe, reliable, and supported .
• Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.
• Improved taskbar and JumpLists .
• Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.
• Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).
• Mobility Center is included.
• Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation.
• Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.
• Improved media format support , enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.
• Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition.
• Domain Join enables simple and secure server networking.
• Encrypting File System protects data with advanced network backup.
• Location Aware Printing helps find the right printer when moving between the office and home.
• BitLocker protects data on removable devices.
• DirectAccess links users to corporate resources from the road without a virtual private network (VPN).
• BranchCache makes if faster to open files and Web pages from a branch office.
• AppLocker easily restricts unauthorized software and enables greater security.

And finally the Windows 7 Ultimate addition which includes each feature of Windows 7 Enterprise but is designed for individuals rather than MS partners and MS professionals.

As of the price of these editions, there were news sources which stated that Microsoft leaked information regarding the pricing, but the rumors proved to be untrue and the information were retracted.
At the moment it hears that Windows 7 will cost the same as Windows Vista when it appeared, at least that’s what Microsoft insiders said on the PDC 2008 (Professional Developer Conference)