Microsoft is gearing up to release a tool that will permit users of Windows Vista and Windows XP computers to connect to Windows 7 machines, and to take advantage of features that only the latest version of the Windows client brings to the table. Bridging Vista and XP with Windows 7 will be possible through the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) 7.0 client.

The Redmond-based company has been cooking the client for some time now, and it appears that the baking time is almost over. There’s still no definitive delivery deadline, but with Windows 7 general availability now almost a month away, Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 GA is bound to follow.

“We are announcing the upcoming release of the Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 (RDC7) client for Windows XP and Windows Vista. RDC7 will allow users who connect to machines running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 from Windows XP or Windows Vista to take advantage of features such as Windows Media Player redirection and true multi-monitor support,” revealed Brandon LeBlanc, Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team.

Of course, users must understand that RDC7 is “unidirectional.” This means that lit will allow XP and Vista users to connect to Windows 7 and to leverage its features, but not the other way around. Connection from Windows 7 to Vista and XP will not make available Media Player Redirection for example, or any other features for that matter.

“The new RDC 7.0 clients will be available in Q4 CY09 by using the Microsoft Download Center and WSUS and will be available for Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1), Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2), and Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3) operating systems,” noted a member of the Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Services) Team.