Although Microsoft has yet to officially confirm the launch date for its Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program, fact is that the Redmond company is about to go live with the initiative. In this regard, the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program website is already live. However, there is no information available to end users at this point in time. Visiting the website in question only offers the following message: “Thank you for your interest. Please return to this site on June 26, 2009.” This is the closest thing to an official confirmation that Microsoft has provided.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program website is an integral part of the Redmond company's efforts to support OEM partners selling PCs with older releases of Windows, until Windows 7 comes out. Planned for RTM by the end of July, 2009, and for launch on October 22, Windows 7 is bound to impact the sales of Windows computers. Essentially, with the Upgrade Option Program, the software giant is attempting to make it little worthwhile for consumers to hold out from buying a Windows Vista machine, for example, until the next iteration of the Windows client will be available.

Starting with June 26 and lasting until close to the start of 2010 (the Program Eligibility Period is yet to be announced), customers will be able to buy a Vista PC, and then, once Windows 7 will be out, get a free upgrade to the latest version of Windows.

As long as the PC qualifies for a free Windows 7 upgrade, it has to be sold through the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program, the users will need to visit the fulfillment website and order a free copy of the operating system. The Windows 7 upgrade will not cost consumers anything, in this specific scenario. Eligible upgrade paths are Windows Vista Home Premium: Windows 7 Home Premium. Windows Vista Business: Windows 7 Professional. Windows Vista Ultimate: Windows 7 Ultimate. Non-qualifying Windows OS versions for the program are Windows XP (all versions), Windows Vista Home Basic, and Windows Vista Starter.