Microsoft: Windows 7 released in time for the holidays
The release of Windows 7 has been a hot topic for debate since knowledge of the new operating system came into the public domain. Microsoft has continually shifted the goalposts, estimating different dates and not being firm on when it will actually be available to purchase. Until now.
The importance of Windows to Microsoft can not be overstated – the operating system still accounts for around half its quarterly profits. The importance of Windows 7 in particular can also not be overstated – after the disappointment and public resentment of Vista, Microsoft needs a new OS to restore confidence.
Microsoft knows it needs Windows 7 to be everything Vista is not, at least in the eyes of the general consumer. The new OS also needs to persuade those still hanging on the Windows XP to finally abandon their loyal servant and move with the times, making Microsoft a huge bundle of cash from upgrades and new installs in the process.
The release date for Windows 7 has shifted considerably and on numerous occasions since development began. At first it was “sometime in 2010,” then 2009 became more of a possibility, before Microsoft tried to scale down the hopes of many by insisting 2011 was more feasible. Finally, January 2010 was kind-of flagged up as the target release date.
More recently, analysts and industry watchers have been pretty clear that 2009 was looking more likely. The swift turnover of beta versions followed by the recent Release Candidate suggested sometime between September and December, 2009 were likely. And that timeline has now been confirmed by Microsoft.
According to CNet, Microsoft Senior Vice President Bill Veghte recently mentioned the release aim in a speech at TechEd North America 2009. His pronouncement of Holiday 2009 availability has now been reiterated by Brandon LeBlanc on the Windows Team Blog. Veghte said:
Microsoft is committed to ensuring that IT professionals and developers continue to have the platform and technologies to drive maximum value and business results. Getting the most out of IT investments is even more important in today’s economy.
With early RC testing and extensive partner feedback we’ve received, Windows 7 is tracking well for holiday availability.
This is by no means a guarantee but the chances of Windows 7 slipping at this stage would have to be minuscule. With RC to RTM possible in two months, and RTM to Retail possibly in another two months, Windows 7 could be on shop shelves as early as September. With the holiday season starting in November, we now have a two month release window almost set in stone.
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May 12th, 2009
“Microsoft knows it needs Windows 7 to be everything Vista is not”
So what Vista is not? Could you answer me please.
May 12th, 2009
“The release date for Windows 7 has shifted considerably and on numerous occasions since development began. At first it was “sometime in 2010,” then 2009 became more of a possibility, before Microsoft tried to scale down the hopes of many by insisting 2011 was more feasible. Finally, January, 2010 was kind-of flagged up as the target release date. More recently, analysts and industry watchers have been pretty clear that 2009 was looking more likely.”
Fair dinkum, Microsoft can’t even do *vapourware* properly any more.