Windows 10 'exciting but worrying' - retailers react to free OS upgrade

February 7th, 2015, 20:29 Posted By: wraggster

The free Windows 10 upgrade could be a real revenue earner for PC retailers, some store owners have told PCR, while others are sceptical that it may dent sales of new systems.
Reaction has been largely mixed from independent tech retailers, multiples, system builders and etailers.
Many store owners and buyers told PCR that Microsoft offering a free Windows 10 upgrade for a year to existing users of Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 will give them a new revenue stream, as it will allow retailers to sell upgrades/OS migrations to their customers - or sell them a new machine and then offer Windows 10 as a free upgrade.
“I think it's great," Utopia Computers' director Craig Hume said. "Initially we thought we’d make less money without the sales of the software itself, but actually we can get the upgrade labour. So we can advertise to say ‘we’ll make sure you’re all your pictures and documents move across to Windows 10, but there will be a charge for that’. So retailers have got quite a good opportunity with Windows 10."
Dabs.com product manager Duncan Rutherford added: "Any release of a new Windows product is exciting news. In this instance where it’s free for one year for existing users, it does pose a challenge for operating system sales, however it gives us the chance to sell hardware now that will be eligible for upgrade – while still having the chance to sell Windows 10 systems complete to customers upon release."
Another retailer, taking part in PCR's annual retail survey anonymously, added: "Having that OS transition is a good thing and I think we'll be able to build our server and support business. I think the advantage of it is that it gives you a dialogue with the customer."

Windows 10: How will the free upgrade affect retailers?

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