Mokusei
14-07-2009, 02:38 PM
Microsoft blogger Brandon LeBlanc has provided an official update on the Windows 7 release to manufacturing (RTM).
In a blog posting to the Windows Team blog, LeBlanc admits "there have been many rumors surrounding RTM" over the past week and notes "we are close, but have not yet signed off on Windows 7. When we RTM you will most certainly hear it here. As we've said all along, we will RTM Windows 7 when it's ready. As previously stated, we expect Windows 7 to RTM in the 2nd half of July."
LeBlanc also confirmed that Microsoft has an extensive step-by-step validation process to ensure a quality release of Windows 7. According to LeBlanc "this process takes time. Just because a single build may have "leaked" it does not signal the completion of a milestone such as RTM". In recent days build 7600 has leaked with the build tag 7.7600.16384.090710-1945. The 16384 part is significant as it's the "minor part" which indicates it is a build Microsoft may be ready to release. If a minor change is made the build becomes 16385, 16386 etc.
Microsoft also provided some timings around when people will be able to get the final code:
* MSDN & TechNet Subscribers: Subscribers will be able to download the final version of Windows 7 a few weeks after RTM is announced.
* Volume License (VL) Customers: Windows 7 will be available to Volume License customers on September 1st.
* Consumers, Enthusiasts, & Beta Testers (Everyone else): The retail version of Windows 7 will be available in stores October 22nd. If you pre-ordered Windows 7, it should be delivered sometime around the October 22nd timeframe (depends on the retailer).
* On New PCs: OEMs are expected to start shipping new PCs with Windows 7 pre-installed on them around October 22nd.
The wait continues for an official announcement, CEO Steve Ballmer begins his Worldwide Partner Conference keynote today and if 7 is ready to RTM then it's the most likely time the company will announce the milestone.
Update on Windows 7 RTM Rumors (http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/07/14/microsoft-provides-update-on-windows-7-rtm)
In a blog posting to the Windows Team blog, LeBlanc admits "there have been many rumors surrounding RTM" over the past week and notes "we are close, but have not yet signed off on Windows 7. When we RTM you will most certainly hear it here. As we've said all along, we will RTM Windows 7 when it's ready. As previously stated, we expect Windows 7 to RTM in the 2nd half of July."
LeBlanc also confirmed that Microsoft has an extensive step-by-step validation process to ensure a quality release of Windows 7. According to LeBlanc "this process takes time. Just because a single build may have "leaked" it does not signal the completion of a milestone such as RTM". In recent days build 7600 has leaked with the build tag 7.7600.16384.090710-1945. The 16384 part is significant as it's the "minor part" which indicates it is a build Microsoft may be ready to release. If a minor change is made the build becomes 16385, 16386 etc.
Microsoft also provided some timings around when people will be able to get the final code:
* MSDN & TechNet Subscribers: Subscribers will be able to download the final version of Windows 7 a few weeks after RTM is announced.
* Volume License (VL) Customers: Windows 7 will be available to Volume License customers on September 1st.
* Consumers, Enthusiasts, & Beta Testers (Everyone else): The retail version of Windows 7 will be available in stores October 22nd. If you pre-ordered Windows 7, it should be delivered sometime around the October 22nd timeframe (depends on the retailer).
* On New PCs: OEMs are expected to start shipping new PCs with Windows 7 pre-installed on them around October 22nd.
The wait continues for an official announcement, CEO Steve Ballmer begins his Worldwide Partner Conference keynote today and if 7 is ready to RTM then it's the most likely time the company will announce the milestone.
Update on Windows 7 RTM Rumors (http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/07/14/microsoft-provides-update-on-windows-7-rtm)