It is expected by many IT experts that Microsoft’s upcoming operating system Windows 7 will shape a new future for PC users, and as per forecasts, it will also help to improve the future PC sales for top IT hardware vendors, and after its arrival, its successor Windows XP will be struggling to survive in the PC market.

One of the biggest advantages Windows 7 will have the availability of Windows XP mode with it, adding a backward compatibility feature with it. As there is no upgrade path provided by Microsoft for in-place upgrade of Windows XP to Windows 7, users have to do a customize install of this new operating system, although some 3rd party utilities are available for in-place upgrade of Windows XP to Windows 7, users will be reluctant to do so to avoid any data mishap.

Other more thing we have to see in near future is how will Windows 7 effect the overall spending of corporate sector in the desktop and laptops market, as Windows 7 has higher requirements for hardware as compare to Windows XP, which is currently the most widely used operating system in the world.

PC vendors like Intel are expecting that the launch of Windows 7 will help boost PC hardware sales, this is expected to happen due to old line-up of PC hardware which might also force companies to spend on new hardware thus opening a new window of opportunity for both Microsoft and Hardware vendors after the arrival of Windows 7 in the market.

The recent release of new operating system ‘Snow Leopard’ by Apple can also be seen as a great challenge for upcoming Windows 7, as many users are considering the Apple’s OS as their first choice for their PC’s. ‘Nightmare’ release of Windows Vista might also make it difficult for Windows XP users to decide to upgrade instantly to Windows 7, and adding to the Microsoft’s difficulties, Google has also planned to launch its new ‘Chrome OS’ in second half of 2010.

Considering the above mentioned facts, and current recession which has hit very hard on the PC market, it has become difficult for Microsoft to retain its top position in this market, but in our opinion Microsoft will make every effort to survive in the segment of desktop operating systems, which is very important for company’s endurance.