Windows 7 release date confirmed

Microsoft plans on releasing Windows 7 (apparently in the next few months), and this new version will replace their previous operating system: Windows Vista.

The developers promise Windows 7 will be simpler to use, and more functional, with less of what you don't need and more of what you do.

Microsoft announced that it will make available an upgrade option in order for partners to be able to offer their customers the ability to buy a Windows Vista-based PC, and then just install Windows 7 when it’s ready.

The release date for Windows 7 has been confirmed as October 22, 2009. In addition, Windows Server 2008 R2 will also be available at around the same time.

Microsoft says it has been working closely with partners to ensure their mutual customers can enjoy all the benefits of Windows 7 once it is released.

On June 3, 2009, Microsoft’s OEM Division Corporate Vice President Steve Guggenheimer, expresed the company's confidence in their new Windows 7 version. He announced this at a keynote address at Computex 2009 in Taipei.

“What we’re doing with Windows will continue to improve people’s lives so that that technology enables them to communicate better, make tasks simpler and new things possible,” he says. “Our partners in the hardware space, our competitors in software — the entire industry is doing incredible things.” said Mr. Guggenheimer.

As an example, he reffered to the evolution of the small notebook PC's (also known as Netbooks) that are mainly designed to offer customers the ability for simplified internet connectivity. He went on to say: “A year ago when these smaller PCs first came onto the scene, many in the space were saying consumers wouldn’t want or need these devices to be full-featured,” he says. “In fact, the exact opposite turned out to be true.

Consumers really do want small notebook PCs to work like their laptops and desktops. Windows provides a familiar and easy-to-use experience that consumers want and demand from these devices.” He also went on to say that Laptop pc sales are expected to rise and even surpass Desktop pc sales in the near future, with consumers increasingly demanding connectivity on the go.