Inside the Windows 7 RTM Room

On July 22nd, 2009, Microsoft released to manufacturing both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. In precisely three months since the RTM, Windows 7 will become generally available to consumers worldwide. The software giant has been quiet on the development process of the next iteration of the Windows client as the OS evolved from Release Candidate to RTM, but, as the platform went gold, the company offered a unique view behind the Windows project translucent curtain. At the bottom of this article, you will be able to view a video presenting the exact moment when Windows 7 is released to manufacturing.

“The final few minutes before RTM are a sign-off process where each and every team that contributed to Windows formally commits to having successfully executed the work necessary for the product to be in the release process. We gather one last time (for Windows 7) in the ‘Ship Room’ and a representative from each team signs (literally) and signifies their team’s readiness for manufacturing. We thought we’d share this moment with you,” Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows Division, revealed. “On behalf of the Windows 7 engineering team we want to thank you very much for your contributions throughout development and your contributions yet to come to Windows 7. THANK YOU!”

The second video embedded below features the official announcement of Windows 7 RTM brought to the audience participating at the company's internal MGX event. As you will be able to see, Steve Ballmer literally signs off Windows 7.

“I thought I’d share an inside peek from our annual sales kick-off event in Atlanta. Steven Sinofsky joined Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer on stage to announce the RTM of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. There’s even a clip of Steve Ballmer signing the gold RTM DVDs,” Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communications manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, stated.

Windows 7 Sneak-Peak from MGX