Windows 7 RTM Released to MSDN, TechNet Users and Volume License Customers
After reaching the RTM milestone in its development process late this July, the Windows 7 operating system has finally been made available for download to someone other than OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Windows 7 RTM, the English version, can be downloaded free of charge by MSDN and TechNet subscribers as of yesterday, August 6th. Volume License (VL) customers with an existing Software Assurance (SA) can also download the software as of today, August 7th.
Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, Brandon LeBlanc, comments: "[Yesterday] MSDN & TechNet Subscribers will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English. On October 1st, the remaining languages will be released. The bits are available now! And [today], our Volume License (VL) customers with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). In a few weeks, the remaining languages will become available to them.”
Here are the other important dates related to Windows 7 that you should be made aware of:
August 16th: Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members will get Windows 7 RTM in English via the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Portal
August 23rd: Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers will get Windows 7 RTM in English. Additional languages will be provided on October 1st.
September 1st: Volume License (VL) customers without a Software Assurance (SA) will be able to purchase Windows 7 via Volume Licensing.
October 22nd: Windows 7 will reach GA (General Availability) status. This is the date when the Windows 7 operating system will become available to everyone.
As a little reminder, the development process of Windows 7 went through these stages:
- In January, Microsoft released Windows 7 Beta onto the web.
- In May, Microsoft rolled out the Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate). The operating system is still up for grabs and will remain available for download until August 15th.
- In the second half of July, Microsoft signed off Windows 7 RTM.
- On October 22nd Windows 7 will become generally available (Windows 7 GA) to the end-user.
Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, Brandon LeBlanc, comments: "[Yesterday] MSDN & TechNet Subscribers will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English. On October 1st, the remaining languages will be released. The bits are available now! And [today], our Volume License (VL) customers with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). In a few weeks, the remaining languages will become available to them.”
Here are the other important dates related to Windows 7 that you should be made aware of:
August 16th: Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members will get Windows 7 RTM in English via the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Portal
August 23rd: Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers will get Windows 7 RTM in English. Additional languages will be provided on October 1st.
September 1st: Volume License (VL) customers without a Software Assurance (SA) will be able to purchase Windows 7 via Volume Licensing.
October 22nd: Windows 7 will reach GA (General Availability) status. This is the date when the Windows 7 operating system will become available to everyone.
As a little reminder, the development process of Windows 7 went through these stages:
- In January, Microsoft released Windows 7 Beta onto the web.
- In May, Microsoft rolled out the Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate). The operating system is still up for grabs and will remain available for download until August 15th.
- In the second half of July, Microsoft signed off Windows 7 RTM.
- On October 22nd Windows 7 will become generally available (Windows 7 GA) to the end-user.
