14 DAY TRIAL // Exactly three months to the day after the release to manufacturing milestone, Windows 7 will become generally available to customers on October 22nd, 2009. Users looking to get their hands on the latest iteration of the Windows client from Microsoft have just another three days to wait. Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer will launch Windows 7 at an event in New York. Information of the launch is scarce at this point in time, with Microsoft keeping details under a tight lid, not just on the events associated with the release, but also on the marketing campaign that will introduce Windows 7 to the general public.
“Next stop is the global launch of Windows 7,” said Ballmer, who will also keynote Microsoft’s 2009 conference focused on SharePoint Server, another $1+ billion product of the company. “Our customers, partners and employees will be celebrating around the world. Windows 7 was built using the feedback and input from many of the billion Windows customers around the world, so next week will really be our chance to celebrate together.”
Windows 7 was finalized on July 22nd, 2009. At that time, Microsoft wrapped up the code for the operating system and started offering it into its partner channels. Original Equipment Manufacturers were the first to receive RTM copies of Windows 7, followed by MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Just ahead of GA, Microsoft also offered the gold version of Windows 7 to system builders (custom PC builders). It is via system builders that some customers were able to buy Windows 7 machines ahead of the October 22nd Windows 7 General Availability deadline.
“But the day itself is not really what is most important. What is important is what Windows means for more than a billion people. We are thrilled at the incredible lineup of new PCs coming to market that will show the world the best of Windows 7,” Ballmer added.
Looking to find out more about Windows 7 to decide whether it’s worth to buy the OS? Then read the Windows 7 Softpedia Review.