Grand event marks RP launch of Microsoft’s Windows Vista, Office 2007

Microsoft Corp. will officially launch in the country today in a grand event its newest products — Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007, ending the long wait of computer enthusiasts.

Dubbed as the biggest launch in IT history, the unveiling of Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 will start with a 100-man bicycle caravan from Ayala Avenue and proceed to Ortigas, passing through EDSA, then on to the SM Mall of Asia where a press conference will be held.

There will also be product stations where customers could inquire about the product at the Main Atrium of the SM Mall of Asia until 10 p.m. The event will be capped by a fireworks display and musical performances in the evening, featuring artists like Kjwan, Radioactive Sago, Urbandub, Itchyworms and The Dawn.

Perceptions Inc., Microsoft’s PR arm in the Philippines, said it has been five years since Microsoft released any major upgrade to its Windows and Microsoft Office products.

"It has definitely been worth the wait," Perceptions said, "as Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System are set to take the computing experience to a new level."

The release of the first major upgrade to Microsoft flagship products — Windows and Microsoft Office — came five years after Windows XP was launched in 2002.

The launch of the new software products was held all over the world, with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and CEO Steve Ballmer themselves leading the celebrations last Monday at Times Square in New York.

The new product then went on sale in 70 countries the next day.

Representatives of Microsoft in the Philippines said Windows Vista is the company’s "most tested and most secured product so far."

Over 60,000 IT experts in the country are expected to benefit from the new product. — Michael Punongbayan, Edu Punay