RTM version of Windows 7 ready
Microsoft announced the release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the next versions of its flagship desktop and server operating systems.
With the completion of the development phase, industry partners are readying products in time for the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 general worldwide launches.
For volume licensing customers, the Windows 7 code will be available for download within the next few weeks and for Windows Server 2008 R2, the code will be available during the second half of August.
Touted as some of the industry's hottest technology offerings, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, are packed with features that offer powerful new functionality with enhanced security and user friendly applications. Windows Server 2008 R2 provides new virtualisation tools, web resources, management enhancements and exciting Windows 7 integration help customers increase the reliability, flexibility and efficiency of their datacenters and server infrastructures.
New features like DirectAccess provides seamless access to users from any location without a VPN while BranchCache reduces bandwidth and latency in branch locations.
Commenting on the latest development, Wilson Xavier, Windows Client Business Group Lead, Microsoft Gulf, said: "The economic realities of the past year have presented organisations with new opportunities to harness the power of technology innovation to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiencies. With both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, businesses could expect significant advancements in their PC, server, web and application management infrastructure thereby delivering higher returns on investment.
With Windows 7 specifically, Microsoft continues to deliver on its promise to customers: to offer them the greatest possible choice in the technology they use and to deliver software and services that are compatible with the way they work and live."
Microsoft also worked closely with customers and partners around the world to incorporate their feedback into the development of Windows 7 to ensure their products, services and devices are ready for the new operating system.
Microsoft to ship IE with Windows 7 in Europe
Microsoft has said it would not separate its Internet Explorer (IE) web browser from versions of Windows 7 shipped to the European Union when the new operating system launches worldwide in October.
Microsoft said it had abandoned plans to strip IE from the package to avoid breaching EU competition rules, but would instead present customers with a "ballot" option, allowing them to choose whether to install IE or another browser.
Microsoft said the option had been tentatively welcomed by the European Commission, and received positive feedback from computer makers.
The Brussels-based EU executive, which wields broad anti-trust powers, had called on Microsoft to open Windows to different internet browsers in order to fend off litigation.
Under the new plan, people who buy computers with Windows 7 pre-installed will be presented with the ballot screen when they first connect to the internet.
It will let new Windows 7 users select and then install web browsers of their choice to replace IE on their computers.
Microsoft said it could revert to shipping a Windows 7 E version, without IE included, in the European Union depending on feedback from the European Commission.
The Commission, Europe's top competition watchdog, opened the new front in its epic anti-trust battle with Microsoft in January.
Microsoft recently declared its next-generation Windows 7 operating system ready for delivery to computer makers.
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