Even if Windows 7 beta is getting more and more positive reviews, the fact that Microsoft has unveiled plans to release six different versions of its new operating system left many in the tech world stupefied and wondering why the company is making the same mistake it made with Vista. However, for now, Microsoft has yet to release any official statement to the public regarding this decision.

Of course, many have been critical of Microsoft’s decision to release multiple versions of Windows Vista, and the move has also caused confusion among customers as to what version might be best to buy. It also created compatibility issues with both software and hardware when people wanted to upgrade from XP to Vista. Furthermore, many say this strategy regarding Vista is a self-serving way for Microsoft to charge vastly different prices for different versions of Vista with little benefit to end users.

Microsoft is still keeping secret regarding the price or availability of Windows 7. All users of XP and Vista will be able to upgrade their OS license to Windows 7, but the catch is that the upgrades will have to be a clean installation of Windows 7, meaning you will have to reinstall programs and back up and replace data. The discussed options of Windows 7 are Starter Edition, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate.

Windows 7 Starter Edition is aimed at emerging market and netbook users, as they will be able to run only three applications at the same time but will benefit from user interface improvements and they will be able to join a Home Group. Windows 7 Home Basic is the equivalent of Vista’s Media Center edition, allowing customers the use of unlimited applications at the same time, while bringing further UI enhancements such as live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.

Windows 7 Home Premium will have dedicated visual software, like the Aero Glass UI and the advanced windows navigation. Furthermore, the Home Premium edition also brings improved media format support and enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming. Windows 7 Professional will help users preoccupied with security and networking issues.

As for the Enterprise and Ultimate editions, they will bring a similar set of advanced features, like bitLocker data protection for internal and external drives or DirectAccess for corporate networking based on Windows Server 2008 R2. It remains to be seen if Microsoft will manage to handle and sell all of these editions, as the Vista project clearly didn’t go as planned. The company will probably recommend Home Premium and Professional for home users and Enterprise for businesses.