Ballmer Bellows Praise for Windows 7

REDMOND, Wash. (TheStreet) -- Microsoft's (MSFT Quote) new Windows 7 operating system will be the company's best ever, according to the software giant's ever-bashful CEO Steve Ballmer.

"Windows 7 is the best PC operating system we have ever built," wrote Ballmer, in a letter to customers Tuesday, citing enhanced security, compliance features, and ease of use. "Windows 7 simplifies tasks and lets people get more done in less time with fewer clicks," he added.

The new operating system, which debuts Oct. 22, is the successor to the widely criticized Vista OS, and the stakes are high for Microsoft.

Confronted with stiff competition from Linux specialists such as Red Hat (RHT Quote) and Apple's (AAPL Quote) Snow Leopard, Microsoft recently slashed its Windows 7 pricing for U.S. college students.

The software behemoth is also touting the operating system as a way for firms to shave their IT budgets.

"Windows 7 streamlines management of PC environments, making it easier to reduce costs, improve performance, and enable end users to work anywhere," wrote the Microsoft CEO.

In his letter, Ballmer reels off a list of Windows 7 early adopters, such as London-based financial services firm Baker Tilly, which expects to save $160 per PC by reducing its management and energy costs with Windows 7. Intel (INTC Quote) and the City of Miami are also using the technology, he adds, with the Florida city expected to save $400,000 a year in reduced security, management, and energy costs.

However, Microsoft is launching Windows 7 at a time when the economy is slowly emerging from a debilitating downturn. Tech research firm Gartner, for example, recently warned that the OS is unlikely to significantly boost computer sales, although it expects a "bump" in PC demand for homes and small businesses.