Win7 Customer Approval lifts Microsoft to All-time High

A recent survey by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) has found that Microsoft's newest operating system (OS), Windows 7, has brought the company near all-time high approval ratings. It's an ideal outcome for a firm whose satisfaction ratings plummeted after the release of its last OS, Windows Vista.

Commenting on the findings, ACSI's founder Claes Fornell said: "Windows-based PC brands appear to have recovered from the problems associated with the Windows Vista software," said ACSI founder Claes Fornell.

"Barely a year into the release of Windows 7, satisfaction with these brands has returned to, and in some cases even surpassed, the levels prior to the launch of Vista." (Source: pcworld.com)

The American Customer Satisfaction Index is based on the evaluations of common customers. It was founded by the University of Michigan, and to date has been updated each quarter by providing scores for approximately 225 firms across 45 industries.

Ratings for Microsoft, PC Makers All Up

Just how good are the results for Microsoft and Windows 7?

Customer satisfaction ratings just 4 per cent, from 74 to 78. Although it may not seem like much, the hike represents an all-time industry high point. Just as importantly, ratings of Windows-based machines either grew or stayed steady, refusing to decline in popularity.

Those behind the ACSI are pointing square at Windows 7 for the increase in satisfaction rating. Windows 7 was released just under a year ago, and over the following quarter substantial numbers of home and business users decided to make the jump from XP or Vista to the new OS.

Even PC makers who sell Windows 7 saw improvements in their scores. Well-known online builder and retailer Dell saw its score jump 3 per cent, with both Acer and Hewlett-Packard matching Microsoft with a 4 per cent satisfaction hike. All now sit at a 77 rating. (Source: betanews.com)

Apple Continues to Own Customer Satisfaction

Still, none of these scores placed anywhere near the running favorite in this industry: Apple. The Cupertino-based firm's score again rose, this time to 86, its highest placement ever.

Ironically enough, this marks the 7th year in a row Apple has seen its score above all PC competitors.