How and Who Can Get Windows 7 RTM
Microsoft yesterday announced that unlike what online rumors might say, work on Windows 7 RTM is not complete. There is still a lot of work to be done – things like language support, step-by-step validation for quality purposes, and talking with Microsoft partners so that that the OS can seamlessly be deployed at a global level. Only after the development team is happy about all aspects of the operating system will Windows 7 RTM be released (in the second half of July, 2009).
One interesting question was brought up by this announcement: How will the user get his hands on Windows 7 RTM? An answer has been provided by Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, Brandon LeBlanc: “The answer depends on who you are.”
Here’s the low down on what LeBlanc meant by that:
- After Microsoft announces Windows 7 RTM, the operating system will be made available for download to MSDN and TechNet Subscribers.
- For enterprise customers, Windows 7 Volume Licensing will go live on the 1st of September.
- The rest of the world, this includes Windows 7 Beta testers and Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate) users will have to wait until the OS reaches GA (General Availability) status. This will happen on the 22nd of October. On that date you will be able to purchase Windows 7 from retail stores; if you pre-ordered Windows 7, then the retailer should have it delivered to you by that date.
- People who purchase a new PC can get Windows 7 final preinstalled on their machine if they purchase it around October 22nd. If you purchase a PC with a qualifying Vista version on it, you can upgrade via the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program. Note that the Windows 7 upgrade will be delivered this October; also note that the program is capped.
One interesting question was brought up by this announcement: How will the user get his hands on Windows 7 RTM? An answer has been provided by Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, Brandon LeBlanc: “The answer depends on who you are.”
Here’s the low down on what LeBlanc meant by that:
- After Microsoft announces Windows 7 RTM, the operating system will be made available for download to MSDN and TechNet Subscribers.
- For enterprise customers, Windows 7 Volume Licensing will go live on the 1st of September.
- The rest of the world, this includes Windows 7 Beta testers and Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate) users will have to wait until the OS reaches GA (General Availability) status. This will happen on the 22nd of October. On that date you will be able to purchase Windows 7 from retail stores; if you pre-ordered Windows 7, then the retailer should have it delivered to you by that date.
- People who purchase a new PC can get Windows 7 final preinstalled on their machine if they purchase it around October 22nd. If you purchase a PC with a qualifying Vista version on it, you can upgrade via the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program. Note that the Windows 7 upgrade will be delivered this October; also note that the program is capped.
