With beta testing out of the way, Microsoft’s next operating system Windows 7’s Release Candidate will be ready for download from 7 May, and industry experts are recommending that IT professionals test-drive it before the final commercial version comes on the market.
By and large receiving positive reviews in its beta stage, Windows 7’s Release Candidate (RC) is the culmination of testing and feedback from millions of customers, and is now ready for Microsoft’s partners to begin work on developing new applications, as well as device drivers and services.
“We’ve been listening to what our partners and customers have been saying,” said Ronald Dockery, business manager, Client, Microsoft Ireland.
“With Windows 7, we focused on what customers told us they liked, and we made improvements to what they didn’t like.”
Bill Veghte, senior vice-president for the Windows business at Microsoft, said that with Windows 7 the company has had more RC partner support than for any previous iteration of the operating system (OS).
“We are pleased to say that the Windows 7 RC has hit the quality and compatibility bar for enterprises to start putting it through its paces and testing in earnest,” he added.
Over 32,000 participants from around 10,000 companies worldwide have signed up to gain access to the tools and resources needed to prepare for Windows 7.
Irish Partners, including Novosco, Brandon Consulting Ltd, Maxima Ireland and Nitec Solutions, have already spent time and resources getting ready for Microsoft’s next generation of operating system.
Ben Gray of Forrester Research said in an independent report: “The beta of Windows 7 shows significant promise, and most IT operations professionals are looking forward to its availability and eventual enterprise deployment … start preparing for it now, and the best way to prepare for Windows 7 is by deploying Windows Vista.
“Short of that, begin testing your applications and hardware for compatibility against Windows Vista; it will pay off with greater compatibility with Windows 7.”
By Marie Boran
Pictured: Windows 7 simplifies how you work with the windows on your desktop
