Windows 8 available for as low as Rs 699

Microsoft recently announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in India and around the world. The early offers look quite enticing for the consumers and are expected to push the penetration of the software. However, following this, the market will have competitive prices to keep up the momentum.

As of today, consumers can upgrade their existing PCs. From June 2, 2012 until January 31, 2013, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs. 1,999. And Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs. 699 with the Windows Upgrade Offer, available at www.windowsupgradeoffer.com.

In addition, all MS Office 2010 boxes of Office, home and Student or home and business or Professional are covered for free upgrade to 2013 if purchased after October 19 2012. Price mentioned below are collated from Softmartonline.com pricelist.

On the other front, the Windows Store is now open and a wide range of global and local apps will be available for download. In India, a range of free and paid apps can be downloaded. Most interestingly, Microsoft related market sources indicate that Microsoft is planning to roll out enterprise segment specific store to offer business centric app, which the companies can download and use in their organization. However, the interesting part is that the company is going to make a provision to provide the user to customize the app for its needs or requirement, which they can then use in their organization.

Here's a look at the consumer/ end user software price list in Indian rupees for Windows 8. Taxes will be extra and as applicable.