News
'Windows 7' May Arrive in Second Half of 2009
Following reports that Microsoft released "Milestone 1" for Windows 7 to several partners, TG Daily reports that software will get released in late 2009.
Following
reports that Microsoft recently released the "Milestone 1" code for Windows 7 -- its next desktop operating system following Vista -- to several partners, TG Daily is
reporting that a new roadmap for the software shows a release during the second half of 2009.
Microsoft has said previously that Windows 7 (previously code-named "Blackcomb"
and "Vienna") is scheduled for release in 2010. The roadmap showing
the 2009 schedule was provided to TG Daily by a source; Microsoft refused to
comment on the date.
So has Windows 7 been pushed forward? Redmond magazine columnist and All About Microsoft blogger Mary Jo Foley writes that it's possible Microsoft's been planning to release Windows 7 in 2009 all along: "What better way to convince customers on the fence about upgrading to Vista or waiting for the next Windows build that they should make the move? ('Do you really want to wait at least three more years?')"
Foley points out that Microsoft had previously
given a 2009 ship date for Windows 7; 2009 would fit with Microsoft's previously
announced two-year release schedule; and the timing makes perfect sense for
a 2009 holiday release.
"Could Windows 7 ship before Microsoft's publicly stated date of 2010?
Definitely. In fact, I will almost be surprised if it doesn't," she wrote.
About the Author
Becky Nagel is the vice president of Web & Digital Strategy for 1105's Converge360 Group, where she oversees the front-end Web team and deals with all aspects of digital projects at the company, including launching and running the group's popular virtual summit and Coffee talk series . She an experienced tech journalist (20 years), and before her current position, was the editorial director of the group's sites. A few years ago she gave a talk at a leading technical publishers conference about how changes in Web browser technology would impact online advertising for publishers. Follow her on twitter @beckynagel.