Windows 7 RTM dated, Family Pack confirmed
Windows 7 is almost here. In fact, it’s almost close enough to touch. All that’s left to do is for Microsoft to finalize the RTM build and, as its name implies, release it to manufacturing. Microsoft has now set all the speculation aside by announcing a timeline of when people, depending on which group they belong to, will be able to get their hands on Windows 7.
There was speculation last week that the RTM version of Windows 7 had been leaked, but Microsoft later debunked the rumor. Now the same Microsoft bod who did the debunking, Brandon LeBlanc, has published a blog post detailing when each of us can expect to get our hands on the Windows 7 operating system.
ISV (Independent software vendor) and IHV (Independent hardware vendor) Partners will be able to get hold of Windows 7 after Aug. 6, by way of either Microsoft Connect, MSDN, or TechNet. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) will then receive Windows 7 RTM approximately 2 days later, on Aug. 8.
Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members will be able to download the English version of Windows 7 RTM on Aug. 16, with the remaining languages following by October 1. Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers will get the RTM a week later on Aug. 23.
Business customers using a Volume License (VL) with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license can get Windows 7 after Aug. 6, although again this is just the English language version. As already announced, VL customers without an SA license can buy Windows 7 on Sept. 1.
The rest of us will obviously follow a little later on Oct. 22, when Windows 7 will be released to general availability. At this time, pre-orders will be fulfilled, new PCs will start appearing pre-loaded with Windows 7, and the OS will also be available to buy in retail stores worldwide.
LeBlanc also took the opportunity to confirm the Windows 7 Family Pack which has been rumored for some time. This is supposedly as a result of feedback from testers and enthusiasts seeking “a better solution for homes with multiple PCs.” So a Family Pack of Windows 7 Home Premium which can be installed on up to 3 PCs will be released in selected territories.
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