IDN Type-ins delay?

[trafficdomainer]

As most are aware, many internet users in Asia do not have legal copies of Windows XP, hence I suspect this will lead to major IDN type-ins being delayed from Asia. Many wouldn't be qualified to get IE7 automatic updates or download from MS site for that matter. However, overtime I believe there will be cracked versions of IE7 but it will be a while before XP users with unauthorized copies get around to upgrading to IE7.

Any thoughts on how long you think it will take for the majority in Asia to upgrade to IE7?

[trafficdomainer]

Tech savvy internet users may search for and download the cracked version of IE7 in Asia. However, ordinary users may not bother and stick with IE 6 for sometimes till they buy a new computer or till they install cracked version of Vista. Ie7 is bundled with Vista as well right?

[boca]

So nobody thinks microsoft will be smart and allow the IE7 download to all comers with no checking?

[Drewbert]

When the pirate ie6 users see their buddies using ie7 and not being allowed to use it, they'll move across to Firefox

[trafficdomainer]

It appears Microsoft wants to offer their free products such as IE7 and add-ons only to their paying MS XP customers. This is the first time MS is validating your system before they allow IE to be downloaded. This is probably the beginning of the trend. They definitely are trying to minimize MS pirated softwares.

Originally Posted by boca

So nobody thinks microsoft will be smart and allow the IE7 download to all comers with no checking?

[trafficdomainer]

Surely if they want to be trendy and be able to browse in their local languages. But in the meantime ordinary users may not bother and just stick with IE6 IMHO. IE7 will definitely go mainstream eventually but it may take longer than expected. I hope I am wrong though

Originally Posted by Drewbert

When the pirate ie6 users see their buddies using ie7 and not being allowed to use it, they'll move across to Firefox

[alphamale]

Originally Posted by boca

So nobody thinks microsoft will be smart and allow the IE7 download to all comers with no checking?

I was really surprised at this. MS has always touted IE7 firstly as a security upgrade and functionality second.
their strategy to date has been to allow all to have access to security fixes and patches in an attempt to slow down virus spreading.

however they are going against the trend with IE7.

[rhys]

Needless to say pirated copies in Japan are no larger a problem than in the US. Cannot really speak about other Asian markets.

[boca]

Guess M$ figures requiring validation first will sell a few copies of windows from those just *dying* to use IE7. For most, if they switch to Firefox or another, it's a loss in market share for a product that does NOT produce any revenue.

[touchring]

Originally Posted by trafficdomainer

Tech savvy internet users may search for and download the cracked version of IE7 in Asia. However, ordinary users may not bother and stick with IE 6 for sometimes till they buy a new computer or till they install cracked version of Vista. Ie7 is bundled with Vista as well right?

Tech users will be using Firefox.