Windows 7: MS to take on Google, Apple

NEW YORK: Microsoft is this week preparing to take off the gloves in his fight with arch rivals Apple
and Google.

On Thursday, the software giant will release Windows 7, in probably the most popular version of its operating system since Windows XP launched in 2001. The company is also expected to give more details about the other big bet - its first stores.

But what analysts are more interested in that Microsoft is the way to tackle the rise of "cloud" - large data centers that host large software applications remotely, eliminating the need to purchase upgrades or maintaining an awkward box units hard drive at home or office. In a market where Google and Apple have high ambitions to run these vast, virtual mainframes, this means that Windows 7 could be the last of his kind.

Google, the search giant announced in the summer to launch a PC operating system, Chrome OS.

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, will unveil Windows 7 at a press conference in New York on Thursday. Analysts are also expecting him to elaborate on Microsoft's plans for independent shops promoting their software and devices, including Xbox computer games and mobile phones that run Microsoft software.

Microsoft-Watch Matt Rosoff said the company would be willing to tackle the rise of Google as a provider of software and shows how you will compete with other online software services. Most word processing services for storing and editing images available online, Rosoff said: "Microsoft has a tough job to do and to convince businesses to consumers that an operating system is still important."

Last update to Microsoft Windows was a marketing disaster. Bugs plagued Vista after its release in January 2007. Windows 7 so far has received mostly favorable reviews, analysts expect could give a boost to business investment in IT.

Apple is far behind Microsoft, but has taken the lead in mobile devices with its iPod and iPhone. Microsoft now seeks to beat Apple at their own game and shooting a series of shops. Analysts expect Ballmer to announce the opening of the first Microsoft store dedicated in Scottsdale, Arizona, with more to follow. It has also hit back at Google with the launch of an improved search engine, Bing.

Both Apple and Microsoft release results this week. The figures come after the impressive performance of Google last week.