Microsoft on Feb. 2 released the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Ecosystem Readiness Program as part of its effort to prepare its partners for the availability of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. The new program provides tools and resources partners need to begin testing their existing applications, devices and systems to ensure compatibility with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
Microsoft has released the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
Ecosystem Readiness Program as part of its effort to prepare its
partners for the availability of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008
R2.
Launched on Feb. 2, the Ecosystem Readiness Program provides the
tools and resources partners need to begin testing their existing
applications, devices and systems to ensure compatibility with Windows
7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
For developers, Windows 7 will provide a solid platform with tools
for increased application compatibility, better performance, and
sophisticated document support, giving them the power to build the
right user experiences for their applications, Microsoft says.
The Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Ecosystem Readiness Program
is designed to help Independent Hardware Vendors (IHVs), Original
Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), developers, Independent Software
Vendors (ISVs) and Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs) achieve
compatibility and innovation with Windows 7.
In addition, the program supports service-enabled software and
devices, such as mobile phones, portable media players and digital
cameras that demand constant connectivity and advanced applications.
Windows 7 delivers a platform for both, making it easy for developers
to take advantage of the functionality and features of next generation
hardware, while ensuring that users are always on and always
connected.
To access the Ecosystem Readiness Program, hardware partners can go
to http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/Win7_Beta.mspx, and software partners
can go to www.msdn.com/windows. From these sites, respective partners
can download the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 betas,
development and test toolkits, and gain access to technical documents
and other resources they need.
In an interview on the Microsoft PressPass Web site describing the
programs, Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Windows Product
Management, said:
"There is no better time to take advantage of the tools and
resources available in the program. Perhaps the most important benefit
is access to the new beta builds of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008
R2, along with the updates to the Windows Driver Kit, the Windows Logo
Kit, the software development kit and other resources.
"Finally, we want to make sure OEMs and ISVs are ready for the
compatibility tests of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, so we're
providing technical support via our application testing labs. We
realize that some partners are unable to travel to our Microsoft labs,
so we're also providing lab access online as well as through Live
Meeting sessions. Additionally, we have virtual servers loaded with
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 on which partners can perform
remote testing. The goal is to ensure that partners' existing hardware
and applications are compatible with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008
R2."
Nash also said Microsoft is recommending three things to partners regarding the new operating systems:
"First, now that the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 betas are
available, we strongly encourage partners to download the code and
tools. This will help them get a sense of the products' capabilities
and identify opportunities.
"Secondly, hardware and software partners should go to the
sites mentioned above to join the Ecosystem Readiness Program and
access the resources available to begin testing their applications and
devices on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 at their earliest
convenience.
"Finally, it's a great time for partners to validate that their
products work on Windows Vista, which will carry over to Windows 7. The
same recommendation applies for server applications that work on
Windows Server 2003 but have not been upgraded yet to support Windows
Server 2008."
Darryl K. Taft covers the development tools and developer-related issues beat from his office in Baltimore. He has more than 10 years of experience in the business and is always looking for the next scoop. Taft is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and was named 'one of the most active middleware reporters in the world' by The Middleware Co. He also has his own card in the 'Who's Who in Enterprise Java' deck.
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