Windows 7 will drive recovery of global IT

New operating system will spearhead growth across industry sectors and help small businesses, says Microsoft-sponsored research

Windows 7 will create over 300,000 new jobs worldwide, says IDC

The launch of Windows 7 is set to drive the recovery of technology sectors worldwide, according to a report by analyst IDC.

The research, sponsored by Microsoft, suggests that the release of the new operating system is positive news for the hardware, software, IT services and distribution industry.

Some 350,000 companies selling products and services revolving around Windows 7 are expected to generate more than $320bn (£196bn) in sales during the year after the system’s launch in October.

IDC adds that the small business community that forms Microsoft’s “ecosystem” will also drive local economic growth, as the revenue is likely to remain in local geographies.

Employment rates will also receive a boost, says the study, as one per cent of global IT spending related to Windows 7 will account for 20 per cent of total IT employment worldwide and generate more than 300,000 job vacancies.

Some 177 million units of the new operating system are expected to be shipped by the end of 2010, according to IDC.