Having learned the incompatibility lesson the hard way with Windows Vista, Microsoft is pouring a consistent amount of efforts into ensuring that the next iteration of the Windows client will work smoothly from the get go with as many applications as possible. An integral part of the company's focus on driving application compatibility for Windows 7 is working directly with developers in order to get them to tailor their software to the platform. The software giant is obviously ready to go the extra mile, and is even providing developers with free online Windows 7 compatibility tech support. In this regard, devs that are looking to adapt their products to Windows 7 can get assistance via the Application Compatibility for Windows Development forum on MSDN.

“ISVs can now get free technical support for application compatibility issues with Windows 7. To get support, ISVs can post their problem on an MSDN Forum. This forum is monitored by CSS engineers who will respond to issues by e-mail within 24 hours,” revealed Bruce Kyle, ISV architect evangelist.

Software developers can leverage the forum in order to get help from Microsoft Customer Service and Support (CSS) engineers. Microsoft is offering something similar to its partners, even for the Release Candidate of Windows 7, as Build 7100 has been added to the list of supported technologies of the Online Technical Community. Just as the Application Compatibility for Windows Development forum on MSDN, the Partner Online Technical Communities are also monitored by Microsoft employees dedicated to offering support.

Microsoft launched Windows 7 Release Candidate for the public on May 5th, 2009, and the bits are still up for grabs even at this point in time. But with RTM now just a little over a month away, the company is obviously in the final stretch with the successor of Windows Vista. Ensuring a high level of app compatibility for Windows 7 is an integral aspect of the operating system's success on the market. Windows 7 will hit the shelves on October 22, 2009.

32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 (Release Candidate) RC Build 7100.0.090421-1700 is available for download

here.