Since launching a few weeks ago, Microsoft Windows 7 has outsold other Windows operating systems by as much as two-to-one, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer noted during a Microsoft shareholder meeting.
Even though Ballmer noted there would "be a surge of PC" sales that wouldn't be a major industry shaker, the company still expects sales to help guide the company into 2010. During the past fiscal year, Windows OS related business accounted for around $10 billion of Microsoft's $20 billion per year operating income.
"Since launch, we've already sold twice as many units of Windows 7 than any other operating system we've ever launched in a comparable time," Ballmer said during the event. The outspoken Microsoft CEO didn't reveal exact sales numbers, but Windows 7 has been estimated to penetrate approximately 4 percent of the PC industry.
Expect Microsoft to launch additional advertising campaigns in the future, especially aimed at college students, as Microsoft attempts to counteract Apple's marketing tactics aimed at younger consumers.
Microsoft has faced increased competition from Apple, a lack of positive public acceptance of Windows Vista, and a growing user base of Linux operating system users. Despite these pressures, Windows still controls about 91 percent of the OS market. For months prior to launch, Microsoft promoted Windows 7 as the OS that would help PC users regain faith in the company's software offerings.
Microsoft Windows XP has led the way in the netbook market, but Linux flavors Ubuntu, Novell SuSe, and others will test Microsoft's dominance in the exploding market.
