14 DAY TRIAL // With its next iterations of the Windows client and server operating systems, Microsoft has worked from the earliest stages of the building process with hardware manufacturers and software developers to ensure a high level of support and compatibility. With the upcoming launch of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the Redmond company will also release the Windows 7 Compatibility Center and the Windows Server Catalog respectively. Both resources will be dedicated to highlighting the software and hardware products that are compatible with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
How compatible? Well, there are essentially three levels of compatibility. The highest is related to the logo programs run by Microsoft, and will include offerings that come to the table with "Compatible with Windows 7" or "Certified for Windows Server 2008" logos. At the same time, software publishers and device manufacturers can simply state that their products work with the two platforms without actually passing the Microsoft testing for compatibility. The last level of compatibility involves a simple promise that the software or hardware will work with Windows 7 in the future.
In this context, Microsoft is looking for contributions from software developers and hardware manufactures. The Redmond company is currently accepting submissions for products. “Microsoft will help you tell customers about your plans to make your solutions compatible with Windows 7 and/or Windows Server 2008 R2. Visit the Windows Compatibility Center and let us know how soon you intend to support customers who deploy your client and/or server applications on the new platforms. Then, during the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 global launch time frame, Microsoft will publish a list of all the currently compatible and future compatible applications to help customers,” revealed Bruce Kyle, Microsoft ISV architect evangelist.
While the Windows 7 Compatibility Center and the Windows Server Catalog are planned to go live with the release of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, Microsoft will jump the gun as far as applications are concerned. The client-side programs will start being listed on the Windows 7 Compatibility Center approximately on the same date when Windows 7 will be released to manufacturing. The Redmond company is promising that the list of applications compatible with Windows 7 will be updated weekly. “This is a valuable opportunity to get your product listed on the Windows Compatibility Center or Windows Server Catalog and gain worldwide exposure,” Kyle added.
32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 (Release Candidate) RC Build 7100.0.090421-1700 is available for download here.
Windows Server 2008 R2 Release Candidate (RC) is available for download here.