The VAR Guy doesn't spend much time writing about systems builders, but this little tidbit of information deserves some ink: Puget Systems has announced a free Windows 7 upgrade strategy months before Microsoft formalizes its own upgrade pricing plans, according to PCWorld.

The VAR Guy

March 2, 2009

Windows 7 Upgrade PlanThe VAR Guy doesn’t spend much time writing about systems builders, but this little tidbit of information deserves some ink: Puget Systems has announced a free Windows 7 upgrade strategy months before Microsoft formalizes its own upgrade pricing plans, according to PCWorld. Kudos to Puget for grabbing the Windows 7 spotlight — at least for today. But The VAR Guy wonders: Are system builders really hoping to profit from Windows 7?

Don’t misunderstand The VAR Guy. He respects the folks who build custom PCs and provide local service. And he spends plenty of time testing custom Ubuntu PCs from ZaReason and System76.

But our resident blogger remains somewhat skeptical of the Windows white box market.

  • Can it really generate profits?

  • Or do the system builders make money elsewhere — from network deployments and the like?

Room to Compete?

This video offers an internal look at the Puget Systems. Watch it, any you might start rooting for small system builders again:

According to the PCWorld article:

Puget Systems customers who purchase PCs that cost at least $1000, and are equipped with the 64-bit edition of Windows Vista Ultimate, will be eligible for a free upgrade later this year to the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate.

The VAR Guy will be curious to learn how many customers take Puget up on the offer.

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