Windows 7 coming to business customers on 1 September

 

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Posted on 14 Jul 2009 at 12:36

Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 will be available to Volume License customers on 1 September at its Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans.

This gives businesses an eight week head start on consumers, who will be able to get their hands on Windows 7 when it reaches General Availability on 22 October. The company said if you've pre-ordered the OS, "it should be delivered sometime around the October 22 timeframe."

The company also outlined its retail strategy for Windows 7. Both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 DVDs will be provided in both upgrade and retail boxes. "Due to the incredible adoption of 64-bit today and customer feedback, we decided to change this for Windows 7," said Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc.

UK consumers won't be offered upgrade versions for the foreseeable future though, as Microsoft is still under pressure from European Union antitrust regulators following a complaint filed against the software giant relating to Internet Explorer. The company responded by removing Internet Explorer from all European versions of Windows 7 until an agreement can be reached.

Subscribers to Microsoft's Developer Network (MSDN) or TechNet services will also get their hands on the operating system early. Microsoft said "subscribers will be able to download the final version of Windows 7 a few weeks after we announce RTM" in a statement on the Official Windows Blog.

Despite rumours suggesting RTM might happen on 13 July at WWPC, Microsoft said that it is still on target to deliver Windows 7 RTM in the second half of this month. The OS will be available on pre-order in the UK starting tomorrow, priced at £50 for Home Premium and £99 for Professional.

Author: Tim Smalley