PCMag Digital Network Study Measures Perceptions and Purchase Intent for Windows 7

Study Of PCMag.com Consumers and IT Decision Makers Reveals Favorable Opinions
and Plans to Purchase
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
The PCMag Digital Network (PCMag), one of the nation`s leading technology media
businesses, announced today the results of a new study gauging awareness,
favorability and purchase intent for Microsoft`s Windows 7 operating system
among consumers and IT decision makers. The new OS is scheduled to launch on
October 22, 2009.

In keeping with PCMag`s history of informing the tech market with valuable
research and analysis of market trends, such as its ongoing BrandTrak panels,
this study provides insight into consumer and business plans for one of the
largest and most significant technology product launches in years: Microsoft`s
Windows 7.

"The PCMag Digital Network continues to be on the front lines of all
tech-related product launches, and the launch of Windows 7 is no exception,"
stated Jason Young, CEO, PCMag Digital Network. "As Microsoft prepares for
release of Windows 7, the technology community can rely on PCMag for exceptional
coverage, analysis and information to guide their activities."

Of the household-level technology influencers participating in the study, nearly
one-third reported that they are either familiar or very familiar with Windows
7. In addition, more than three quarters (76%) regard it favorably or very
favorably, based on information they have either heard or read about the new
operating system, or by testing the release candidate. Nearly half (49%)
currently plan to purchase Windows 7, and almost one-third (32%) expect to
complete their purchase it within 6 months of its release.

The PCMag Digital Network also surveyed professional IT decision makers,
breaking these respondents into large and small company sizes for comparison:

* Overall, over half (55%) say that industry information and beta testing has
led them to feel favorably or very favorably about the product.
* 43% report that their companies plan to purchase Windows 7, two-thirds of
which expect to purchase it within a year of its release.
* Adoption rates for smaller companies (<500 employees) is more accelerated than
for larger enterprises.

Other topics covered in the Windows 7 study include purchase intentions for the
different versions Windows 7 across different computer classifications, how it
will be purchased (software upgrades versus pre-installed software on new
computers) and, for professional decision makers, plans for testing the system
prior to purchase. Company size and attitudinal questions reveal the tech
enthusiasm and influence of PCMag`s respondents, and allow the data to be cut
and viewed from a variety of perspectives.

More detailed research information can be obtained by contacting The PCMag
Digital Network.

About the PCMag Digital Network

The PCMag Digital Network (www.PCMag.com) is one of the world`s best-known
publishers of leading technology-based digital content products. Its flagship
property, PCMag.com, delivers comprehensive labs-based product reviews and the
world-renowned PCMag Editors` Choice Awards, the most trusted buying
recommendations for technology products and services across the globe.

Reaching more than seven million highly engaged technology buyers and
influencers, PCMagDigital Network provides contextual marketing solutions that
drive results. Brands within the Network also include ExtremeTech, Gearlog,
Appscout, Smart Device Central, GoodCleanTech, DL.TV, Cranky Geeks, and
PCMagCast. The Network`s content is delivered worldwide to readers across a
multiple platform of Web sites, e-newsletters, Webcasts, broadband video,
software downloads and RSS feeds to users in more than 20 countries.

Media:
Middleberg Communications
David Bray, 212-812-5665
david@middlebergcommunications.com
or
PCMag Digital Network
Jason Young, 212-503-4678
jason_young@ziffdavis.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009