Sony New Zealand has announced its upgrade program for the next Microsoft OS, Windows Vista. The campaign is based on the Microsoft Windows Vista Express Upgrade recently announced by Microsoft.

The company will provide VAIO owners who purchased qualifying Windows Vista Capable PC with Windows XP from 26th October 2006 to 15th March 2007 with a Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade Kit and a Windows Vista Supplement Disc for VAIO.

A copy of proof of purchase will be necessary in order to qualify for the campaign. A receipt, a warranty or a full statement of credit card is required for an applicable upgrade.

The upgrade is not free, and prices will be informed shortly in VAIO online support page.

Sony also warns that not all Windows Vista features will be available for use on all Windows Vista Capable PCs. All Windows Vista Capable PCs upgraded to Windows Vista will be able to run the core experiences of Windows Vista, such as organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. But some features available in premium editions of Windows Vista, like the new Windows Aero user interface require advanced or additional hardware.