Microsoft discounts Windows 7 for small businesses

Mimicking the discounts it has been offering to consumers, Microsoft Corp.said that it will temporarily discount upgrades to Windows 7 Professional.

Windows 7 Professional is the version aimed at small to medium-sized businesses and organizations.

Available starting Yesterday from Microsoft resellers, Windows 7 Professional will be offered to Microsoft partners at a discount from now until Feb. 28, 2010, according to a blog posted by Microsoft.

A Windows 7 Professional upgrade lists for $199 in the U.S., and can be purchased by owners of either Windows Vista or XP. While resellers have the final say on how much of the discount they pass on to customers, it will likely result in most companies offering the Professional upgrade for about $169.

This is the second promotion for Windows 7 Professional. Earlier this summer, Microsoft offered Windows 7 Professional upgrades for $99.99, along with Home Premium upgrades for just $49.99.

Microsoft will also sell three-license Family Packs of Windows 7 for $149.99 in mid-October around the OS's official launch.

Microsoft offers a variety of discounts for Windows 7.

Microsoft also said today it is offering free 90-day trials to Windows 7 Enterprise, which are available to IT professionals even if they lack Software Assurance Volume License agreements or MSDN/TechNet subscriptions.