The rumors of a pre-eminent Windows 7 beta release 2 are put to rest following the official confirmation from the man In-charge of the project. Steve Sinofsky, posted a blog saying that Windows 7 was a major hit among the developers and software testers, who related their experience with the brand new OS as “Super Happy”. He clarified that the blog post had nothing to do with the shipping date and the plasible change in plans from the Redmond giant.
He precisely put up a compendium of the litany of terms used just to inhibit any peradventures:
- Pre-Beta – This release at the PDC introduced the developer community to Windows 7 and represents the platform complete release and disclosure of the features.
- Beta – This release provided a couple of million folks the opportunity to use feature complete Windows 7 while also providing the telemetry and feedback necessary for us to validate the quality, reliability, compatibility, and experience of Windows 7. As we said, we are working with our partners across the ecosystem to make sure that testing and validation and development of Windows 7-based products begins to enter final phases as we move through the Beta.
- Release Candidate (RC) – This release will be Windows 7 as we intend to ship it. We will continue to listen to feedback and telemetry with the focus on addressing only the most critical issues that arise. We will be very clear in communicating any changes that have a visible impact on the product. This release allows the whole ecosystem to reach a known state together and make sure that we are all ready together for the Release to Manufacturing. Once we get to RC, the whole ecosystem is in “dress rehearsal” mode for the next steps.
- Release to Manufacturing (RTM) – This release is the final Windows 7 as we intend to make available to PC makers and for retail and volume license products.
- General Availability (GA) – This is a business milestone and represents when you can buy Windows 7 pre-installed on PCs or as full packaged product.
What is to be seen is that if they can really keep up their word this time around. The release of this neophytic version was not hyped following the response they’ve garnered with the Vista. Now, Microsoft is seeing Windows 7 as their saviour as they wish to dust off their bruises and build up their reputation once again. This would be crucial, with Bill Gates no more in there to save them they will have to bank hopes on 7, and untill now it hasn’t let them down.