Windows 7 RTM Arrives: What You Need to Know

[dhilipkumar]

Windows 7 RTM Arrives: What You Need to Know

Both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have been released to manufacturing.Windows 7 marks the first time since Windows 2000 that the client and server versions of Windows will release simultaneously. The networking features that bind the client and server such as DirectAccess and BranchCache have been well-documented at this point, as have the popular Windows 7 desktop features on the client side such as a revamped taskbar and the Aero graphical interface.

What's most compelling about Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 RTMs is the sense of closure. The development of both has been completed and the final code is ready to be sent off to partners, OEMs and developers.

What Win 7 RTM Means for Business Users and IT Pros
Volume license customers that have an SA (Software Assurance) license with Microsoft will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 7 through the VLSC (Volume License Service Center). Microsoft says the rest of the languages for Windows 7 RTM should be available within a couple of weeks after that.

Volume License customers without an SA license will be able to purchase Windows 7 through Volume Licensing starting on Sept. 1.

IT professionals who want Windows 7 RTM have a few options. If they have TechNet subscriptions, they can download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6 and in the remaining languages on Oct. 1.

If your company has an SA license with Microsoft you can download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 7 through the VLSC (Volume License Service Center).

What it means to PC Makers (OEMs)
OEMs will have access to Windows 7 RTM software images as early as this Friday, as Microsoft works to release and distribute the images. OEMs can then start preparing images for new PCs that will ship with Windows 7 pre-installed on Oct. 22.

"During the next two or so months, OEMs will be finishing the integration and testing of their systems with Windows 7," says Bill Laing, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, Server & Solutions Division.

Mike Angiulo, GM of the Planning and PC Ecosystem Team for Windows, added in an interview that OEM testing of Windows 7 is ahead of schedule compared to predecessor Vista.

What It Means to Partners
Independent Microsoft hardware and software partners can download Windows 7 RTM from Microsoft Connect or MSDN on August 6. Microsoft recommends that if you are a partner that has been testing Windows 7, now is the time to complete your testing.

computerworld