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Microsoft reportedly looks to bolster weak Windows 8 demand with OEM license discounts

Published Mar 6th, 2013 1:00PM EST
Windows 8 License Discounts

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Windows 8 sales have reportedly fallen short of Microsoft’s (MSFT) expectations, so the company is exploring new ways to spur demand. According to a report on Wednesday from Digitimes, the company’s latest effort involves giving its PC vendor partners a sizable $20 discount on Windows 8 licenses for notebook computers with screens sized 11.6 inches and below. For notebooks, tablets and hybrids with screens sized 10.8 inches or lower, Microsoft will also reportedly include free Office 2013 software. Windows 8 licenses reportedly cost between $80 and $90 excluding Office, so this healthy discount could help vendors offer devices that are much less expensive than comparable systems currently on the market.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.