Is Windows 7 really selling like hotcakes? Some say this is all part of a marketing strategy by Microsoft to woo customers and boost sales. Which is true?

It's been less than a week since Windows 7 launched. In Beijing, major software stores have almost run out of their supply. Many consumers need to make advance bookings for a purchase. Even online shopping websites are sold out.

Zhang Yunyun, Store Manager of Suning Lianxiangqiao Store said "Right now we still have some in stock of the basic home and advanced version. But the professional and flagship versions are sold out."

Mr. Huo, one customer said "Apparently Windows 7 has a lot of new functions. So I came to take a look. But the staff says the professional and flagship versions are all sold."

Some dealers say booming sales is part of Microsoft's marketing strategy. The firm may have deliberately reduced output in order to fabricate the phenomenon of supply shortages to maintain the products' prices and gain higher profits. Dealers say this is common in the electronics sector.

Microsoft has not commented on those suggestions.

But, Suning says they signed an agreement with Microsoft to provide large amounts of the latest stocks of Windows 7 in its stores nationwide, starting in November.