As October 22nd, 2009 draws nearer, Microsoft ups the ante when it comes down to fueling excitement over the general availability of the next iteration of Windows. The Redmond-based company is ready to try a variety of marketing strategies from special offerings, to serving free copies of Windows 7 RTM before the operating system becomes available to the public. It is the case of Windows 7 Loadfests. Participants to the Windows 7 Loadfests will not only get to play with the final version of Windows Vista’s successor before the OS comes out, but also walk away with a free copy of the platform. The only catch is that Windows 7 Loadfest events are open only to Microsoft Partners, the company noted.

“The Windows 7 Loadfests are your opportunity to install Windows 7 on your own PC (registered attendees receive a free copy of the RTM version, before the General Availability date), plus learn about the improvements made for increased usability and better management in a corporate environment. You'll walk away with presentations on the Windows 7 business value as well as all the materials needed to host your very own Windows 7 Launch event for your company or customers,” revealed a member of the Launch Central for U.S. Partners team.

Microsoft is no stranger to Windows 7 free offerings. In fact, in mid-August 2009, the software giant confirmed that all attendees of Windows 7 Launch Events would receive a copy of the operating system without charge. At the same time, IT professionals can download and test-drive Windows 7 RTM Enterprise straight from Microsoft, completely free.

“In addition to upgrading your computer, you’ll receive all the materials needed to host your very own Windows 7 Launch event for your company or customers. Who should attend? This loadfest is for sales executives in our partner organizations who are interested in the Optimized Desktop messaging – this loadfest will help you promote internal adoption and help you to host your own Windows 7 customer events,” noted a representative of the US Partner Learning team.

Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.