Windows 7 finally Released to Manufacture!

The Windows 7 project has finally reached RTM (Release to Manufacture) status, this is where all the Microsoft executives involved in the project have a vote on the latest build of the Windows 7 code. This vote has happened several times previously but did not have the required number to move to RTM, this time however, it passed.

The newly appointed president for the Windows division, Steven Sinofsky confirmed that Windows 7 has reached the release to manufacturing status in a blog. This could mean some OEM and manufacturing partners could receive the code next week, allowing them to prepare for its introduction on new machines and to get new and old products ready for this latest Windows OS. The blog which can be visited here: Engineering Windows 7 goes on to thank everyone who helped get to this stage:

“This is a milestone we could not have achieved without the broad participation across the PC Ecosystem we have talked so much about on this blog. Windows 7 is a product not just of Microsoft, but of a whole industry of partners of all kinds. Throughout the development of Windows 7 we’ve seen an incredible engagement from so many people that have contributed to making the Windows 7 engineering project one we, collectively, feel good about. The feedback and collaboration throughout the development of Windows 7 has been outstanding and valuable beyond measure.”

It is however worth mentioning that the work for Microsoft and for all its OEM and Manufacturing partners, is far from over:

While we have reached our RTM Milestone, no software project is ever really “done”. We will continue to monitor and act on the real world experience with Windows 7—we’ve used the Beta and RC process to test out our servicing and we have every intent of doing a great job on this important aspect of the product. Hardware partners will continue to provide new devices and improve support for existing devices. PC makers no doubt have quite a bit in store for all of us as they begin to show off PCs specifically designed for Windows 7’s new APIs and features. Software developers will have lots of new software to show off as well. All of this is yet to come and is very exciting.

Many of the eTeknix staff have be involved in the Beta and RC, we’ve all been very impressed with Windows 7, myself so much so that I’ve not gone back to Vista. So all we can say is roll on October 22, 2009!