It has been reported that Redmond, Washington based software giant Microsoft is planning to bring out six different versions of its next operating system, which has really surprised the tech watchers.

According to the tech media reports, Microsoft is planning to release the six versions of Windows 7 in order to better satisfy PC makers and end users.

Software maker has confirmed Windows 7’s multiversion release at the sources, like Gizomodo and Paul Thurrott of Windows Supersite, but the company has not yet issued official statement regarding its decision of multiversion release.

Commenting on Microsoft’s decision to make multiversion release of Windows 7, the general manager for Windows, Mike Ybarra said, "We did a lot of research and talked to a lot of [hardware] partners and customers. Our biggest challenge is that we have over 1 billion customers, and it's hard to satisfy all of them [with a single version]. There are vocal customers who want every feature, and more regular consumers who say 'I want a version that can grow with me.”

Earlier, Microsoft made decision to release multiple-versions of Windows Vista, which was severely criticized. It confused consumers that, which version might be best to buy. It also did raised compatibility issues associated with both software and hardware when people wanted to upgrade from XP to Vista.

Microsoft’s recent decision to release six versions of Windows 7 appears to have created similar confusion among consumers, who presently do not have any authentic information about pricing and availability of different versions of Windows 7. They do not have any idea, when these versions will really be available and they don’t know the differences between the different versions of Windows 7.