What better sign that Windows 7 is not a repeat of Windows Vista, as far as Microsoft is concerned, than Intel acknowledging a consistent level of excitement for the next iteration of the Windows client? Some of you might still remember the chip maker's reaction to Windows Vista, following the 2007 launch of the operating system. While AMD moved fast to embrace Vista, Intel shrugged off the operating system in RTM phase, and then managed to dodge migrating its infrastructure when Vista Service Pack 1 was released, as well. As Windows 7 was released to manufacturing, Intel's position on the platform is a tad different compared to its precursor.

“Intel and Microsoft have a relationship that spans more than 20 years. Our collaboration today is in full swing across many fronts, but today is a day where we are very excited to see the RTM of Windows 7. Intel began working with Microsoft at the very beginning of the Windows 7 development process. In that process, we saw unique opportunities to optimize Windows 7 for Intel processor technology, to deliver PCs that are more powerful and easier to use. Our technical collaboration focused on multiple areas, including performance and responsiveness; energy efficiency/power management/battery life; and graphics and multi-media,” revealed Joakim Lialias, Intel alliance manager for Microsoft.

The Redmond company announced the release to manufacturing of Windows 7 on July 22nd, 2009. In fact, the gold bits of the next version of Windows have already started shipping to OEMs for preinstallation on new computers. Lialias emphasized that the Microsoft and Intel collaboration on Windows 7 was to ensure the delivery of the most responsive compute experience possible for end users. An integral part of the work done for enhancing performance was focused on optimizations for Intel Solid State Drive technology. But at the same time there are other areas of interest.

“Just to elaborate on better performance and responsiveness. Working with Intel, Microsoft implemented a new feature called SMT parking, which provided additional support for the Windows 7 scheduler for Intel Hyper-threading Technology, enabling better performance on hyper-threaded, multi-core Intel processors. This will help users get the maximum benefit from multi-tasking. Also, Intel and Microsoft jointly analyzed the boot/shutdown/sleep/resume times on Intel platforms during the development of Windows 7 to identify opportunities to optimize Intel drivers and BIOS as well as Windows 7,” Lialias added.