Microsoft Windows 7 Release Candidate Arrives for Some – Most Must Wait

One question is security. How will IT organizations protect virtualized Windows XP running under Windows 7? “We recommend that you secure it just as if you were running it on a physical PC – meaning you should use antivirus software and all the security practices that you would within the VM as you would on a Windows XP PC,” Price said. When asked if this would mean running two security software products, Price replied: “Yes. Yes. Suspenders and a belt.”

Microsoft is releasing Windows XP Mode beta to assist enterprise testing of Windows 7. “This is when we expect most IT organizations to start their dedicated evaluations,” Price said of the release candidate’s availability. “We’re really committed to making a smooth migration path for them.”

Price spoke proudly about application compatibility, boasting that has been uncommon among Microsoft executives since Windows Vista launched. The operating system’s application compatibility problems are legendary among IT organizations. “Products that were designed to run well on Windows Vista are largely running well on Windows 7,” Price asserted. “ There are a couple of exceptions – things like security software that’s written close to the metal.” He noted there are already nine anti-virus products compatible with Windows 7.

Other compatibility and migration tools are coming. Windows Upgrade Advisor “will release shortly after the RC does, and that allows you to run a tool to scan a PC and report back whether the hardware or software has compatibility issues – and try to recommend that compatible path, if we know of one."

Price, who has been employed by Microsoft for 17 years, said: “I don’t think that I’ve seen us this ready with the quality of product and the quality of the partners in ecosystem support at an RC ever before.” The statement is important. Partners clearly weren’t ready when Windows Vista shipped. The Windows XP ecosystem was so strong it worked against Vista, which launched with inadequate third-party application and device driver support.

Price emphasized that Microsoft is “very gratified the depth of partner engagement happened so early.” He praised developers Corel, Cyberlink and Sonic Systems. Over the last couple of days, Microsoft has posted numerous videos showcasing partner products under the marketing tagline: “Ready. Set. 7.”

Is there a payoff, perhaps faster shipment of Windows 7 after the code releases to manufacturing? Price dodged the question a bit. “Traditionally, it takes two to three months between RTM and availability in the broad channel,” he said. Given the seeming stability of the release candidate, it’s reasonable to presume that if the partner engagement is so good some OEMs could start qualifying systems now for release sooner than they did in the past.

“These processes do start with the release candidate,” Price acknowledged. “I haven’t gotten direct feedback from OEMs on their timing, of course. They do find that working with the product is easier.” He did add, “I think we’re on a very good path.”

There still is the question of when will Windows 7 RTM? “On the schedule, we remain optimistic that we’re on path to meet our commitment, which was no later than three years after the [general availability] of Windows Vista, which was January of oh-seven,” Price said.

When asked about shipping for holiday 2009, Price responded: “We would love that, too. It’s just too early to say that we’re going to make it.”

Price’s reticence seems strange in context of Windows Vista. Microsoft said with certainty in March 2006 that Vista wouldn’t make the holidays. Surely with a release candidate coming now, Microsoft executives must have some idea whether or not Windows 7 will ship this year.

Microsoft isn’t discussing pricing, either. “Closer to availability we will,” Price said.