While the Windows 7 client and server operating systems have already been released to manufacturing, Microsoft is set to deliver yet another 7 release of its proprietary operating system. The Redmond company is working to produce Windows Mobile 7, a version tailored to mobile phones that is planned for availability in 2010. At the same time, the software giant in collaboration with phone manufacturers have yet to make Windows Mobile 6.5 available to customers on new handsets. Recent details that surfaced reveal that Windows Mobile 7 will not replace Windows Mobile 6.5, but that the two versions of the platform will in fact co-exist on the market.

It appears that Microsoft is considering offering the 6.5 and 7 releases of Windows Mobile concomitantly in a move designed to take on its opponents, but specifically Google and Apple, according to DigiTimes. Taiwan-based handset makers have revealed that Microsoft will attempt to take on both Android phones and iPhones with its dual platform strategy, come 2010. In this regard, the Redmond company’s tactic is to position Windows Mobile 6.5 as a rival for Android while Windows Mobile 7 phones will take on the iPhone.

In order to fight Google’s Android, Microsoft is willing to cut the price of Windows Mobile 6.5, and to keep the operating system alive even after the availability of its successor rather than kill it. Sources indicate that Windows Mobile 6.5 will become generally available on October 1st, 2009. At the same time, speculation indicates that the software giant is cooking a touch update for Windows Mobile 6.5, a refresh planned for February 2010.

Windows Mobile 7 will only be offered late next year, sources claim. Microsoft will take its due time in delivering WM7, and consumers will not be able to get their hands on Windows Mobile 7 powered devices earlier than the fourth quarter of 2010.