Staples Small Business Index Finds Business Owners Planning to Upgrade to Windows 8

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new survey shows that a significant percentage of small business owners are already planning to upgrade to Windows 8, attracted by the software’s ability to work across devices.

The finding, part of Staples Small Business Index, is significant because 64 percent of small business owners perform their own information technology (IT) and/or network maintenance.

About 70 percent of those aware of Windows 8 already have upgrade plans in place. Among those, 28 percent are most excited about the interoperability between the tablet, phone and computer that Windows 8 will offer.

The Small Business Index showcased the growing importance of tablets to small business owners, with 28 percent using company-owned tablets.

“Staples is making it easy for small businesses to focus on their work with our EasyTech services and Worry-Free PC Promise, which is a $100 value that includes training, phone support and a pre-paid Visa card for the Windows 8 update,” said Mike Edwards, executive vice president merchandising, Staples.

Starting June 2, the exclusive Staples Worry-Free PC Promise allows customers to purchase any new computer and receive free online training, free phone support and a $15 Visa prepaid card when they update to Windows 8. Consumers who buy qualifying Windows 7-based PCs will get Windows 8 Pro for $14.99. These offers together allow customers to buy a new computer now knowing they can update to Windows 8, and Staples will cover the cost of the update as well as offer training and address questions. For more details on the Staples Worry-Free PC Promise, please visit www.Staples.com/Windows8offer.

About the Survey
The survey was developed by Staples and conducted by Decision Analyst, Inc. in Arlington, Texas. Decision Analyst surveyed by Internet a nationally-representative random sample of 501 owners and executives of American businesses having no more than 20 employees. All respondents were members of American Consumer Opinion® online, Decision Analyst’s proprietary Internet based consumer-opinion panel with more than 8,500,000 members globally. Interviews were conducted from May 10-15, 2012. Such a sample has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. For more information about American Consumer Opinion® online please visit www.acop.com.

About Staples
Staples is the world’s largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & print, technology, facilities and breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and now has annual sales of $25 billion, ranking second in the world in eCommerce sales. With 88,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, making it easy for businesses of all sizes, and consumers. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.