Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Starts Taking Pre-Orders On Windows 8 Pro Update

Recent reports reveal that Microsoft Corporation(NASDAQ:MSFT) has started to take pre-orders for customers, who want to update their operating systems to Windows 8 Pro. The software can be owned by $69.99. It will be available at a number of retailers, including Amazon, Staples, Microsoft Store and Office Depot.

To run the update, a user need to already have windows XP Service Pack 3, Windows 7 or Windows Vista loaded on their computer.

A blog post by the company recently indicates that the DVD a user will get on purchasing the software will come in a fresh packaging with one out five energetic illustrations.

If customers want to upgrade before the official launch date of 26^th October, they can do so online for an amount of $39.99.

The firm has also declared that people can now pre-order new Windows 8 PCs and tablets from a number of OEMs, including HP, Samsung, Dell, Sony, Asus and Acer.

People, who have purchased an eligible Windows 7 PC after 2^nd June, 2012, can get an upgrade for a mere $14.99 26^th October onwards.

Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft spokesman revealed details about the packaging that comes in a range of colors and is made up of purely paper-based materials. Such a packaging has reportedly helped Microsoft in reducing 80% fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Also, the packaging weight has been reduced by 41%.

Microsoft has rolled out an upgrade to Windows 8 this week before its final release. The firm is reportedly shelling out more than $1 billion on the marketing campaign for Windows 8. There were a number of ads leaked online. However, they all were pulled offline by Redmond.

The online and boxed upgrade options only run through 31^st January, 2013. Hence, eager customers must make a move sooner rather than later.  

Shares of MSFT jumped 1.30%.