Windows 7

The Windows 7 operating system was actually introduced in late 2010, but as 2010 began it was still the new kid on the block and many were still waiting for the dust to settle on the initial launch to figure out whether Windows 7 was worth upgrading to, or if it was a debacle like its predecessor, Windows Vista.

At an IDC Conference in Brazil last April, Microsoft's illustrious leader, CEO Steve Ballmer, . "The most important product our company has launched in the last year, no doubt, was Windows 7. Windows is a very important piece of infrastructure on literally over 1 billion PCs around the planet, and then the server version of Windows is also very important, running on over 7 million servers around the world."

Windows 7 quickly overcame the specter of Windows Vista--gaining media and analyst acclaim, consumer acceptance, and--perhaps most critical to its long-term success--the blessing of IT admins around the globe.

A in Redmond Channel Partner magazine said, "In an interview, IDC analyst Al Gillen says many enterprises have already begun Windows 7 migrations--and those that haven't, will. 'Ninety percent of customers have plans in some way, shape or form to be moving toward Windows 7,' Gillen says."