Microsoft has confirmed that there will be six SKUs for the Windows 7 OS. This follows long standing Microsoft tradition of having multiple version of its Windows OS, a practice widely-criticized and mocked for bringing confusion to the marketplace.

• Starter: Available to OEMs on new PCs. Missing Aero UI. Can run 3 applications concurrently.
• Home Basic: For ‘emerging markets’. Missing Aero UI.
• Home Premium: Available to OEMs and retail. Includes Aero UI, multi-touch capabilities, media features. Can create home network groups.
• Professional: Includes all of Home Premium features. Adds enhanced networking, Mobility Center and Presentation Mode.
• Enterprise: Available only in volume licenses. Includes all of Professional features. Adds Branch Cache, Direct Access and BitLocker.
• Ultimate: The same features as Enterprise, with limited availability to OEMs and retail.

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In a surprised news, Microsoft has promised to provide support for Windows XP till 2014, a full 13 years after Windows XP was released in October 25, 2001. Microsoft normally terminates support for its operating system within 10 years of its release.

Microsoft senior VP Bill Veghte said the software maker will provide security patches and other critical updates for Windows XP until April, 2014. “Our ongoing support for Windows XP is the result of our recognition that people keep their Windows-based PCs for many years,” Veghte wrote in a letter sent to customers. Majority of Microsoft’s large customers have not upgraded to the newer Windows Vista (released January 2007), due mainly to Vista’s resource requirements and lack of compatibility with older applications. Many of them are expected to skip Vista altogether and continue to use Windows XP until Windows 7 becomes available in 2010 or later.

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