Microsoft resellers will be able to download the eagerly awaited Windows 7 operating system starting Aug. 16, the company confirmed in a blog late Tuesday.
The blog outlines the scheduled availability of the desktop operating system for different categories of business partners, including resellers, ISVs and OEMs. Microsoft also confirmed that it would offer a Windows 7 "family pack" edition of the software for households with multiple PCs.
Microsoft Partner Program Gold and Certified solution providers will be able to download the English-language version of Windows 7 RTM (Release to Manufacturing) through the Microsoft Partner Network portal on Aug. 16, said Brandon LeBlanc, who runs Microsoft's Windows blog page, in the Tuesday posting. Windows 7 RTM in other languages will be available by Oct. 1.
Windows 7, the successor to the much-derided Windows Vista, was the main topic of conversation at last week's Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans, where Microsoft executives touted the opportunities offered by the new operating system for channel partners.
Independent software and hardware vendors will be able to download the software from Microsoft Connect or the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) on Aug. 6. "If you are a partner who has been working on Windows 7 for a while, now is the time to complete your testing with [the] final version of Windows 7," LeBlanc wrote. "For partners that haven't gotten started yet with Windows 7, now is the time to get involved."
OEMs will receive Windows 7 RTM software images "beginning approximately two days after we officially RTM, as a little time is required to release and distribute these images," LeBlanc wrote. "This will allow them to begin preparing images for new PCs to ship with Windows 7 on them."
Volume license business customers with a Software Assurance license can download Windows 7 RTM in English starting Aug. 7 through the Volume License Service center. Those without Software Assurance can buy Windows 7 through volume licensing starting Sept. 1. Copies of the new operating system will be in retail stores and shipping on new PCs starting Oct. 22.
LeBlanc also confirmed Microsoft will offer a family pack version of the Windows 7 Home Premium edition that will allow the software to be installed on up to three PCs. "We have heard a lot of feedback from beta testers and enthusiasts over the last 3 years that we need a better solution for homes with multiple PCs," the blog said.
