SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft Corp. said it would slash prices on the main consumer version of Windows 7, the new version of its operating system, and will defer up to $300 million of revenue this quarter due to a program designed to help consumers upgrade.
The world’s largest software company is under pressure to encourage customers to move rapidly to Windows 7, after a poor reception for its predecessor, Windows Vista, during a challenging economy. Windows generates about 30 percent of the company’s $60 billion in annual revenues.
Using a similar approach to one adopted in the run-up to Windows Vista’s arrival, consumers and small businesses that buy new computers with Windows between Friday and Windows 7’s Oct. 22 release will get a free copy of the new operating system when it becomes available.
