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Microsoft plans to release Windows 7 to developers on Aug. 6, a Windows team spokesman said in a blog post.
In a July 21 blog post, Brandon LeBlanc, a Windows communications manager at Microsoft, said, “Developers with MSDN [Microsoft Developer Network] Subscriptions will be able to download Windows 7 RTM [release to manufacturing] in English on August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st.”
In addition, Leblanc said Microsoft independent software vendor (ISV) and independent hardware vendor (IHV) partners, as well as IT professionals with TechNet subscriptions also will be able to download Windows 7 RTM on Aug. 6. Microsoft original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners will begin receiving Windows 7 two days after RTM.
However, in the blog post, LeBlanc did not reveal the actual Windows 7 RTM date.
Meanwhile, LeBlanc also acknowledged that Microsoft will be offering a “family pack” version of Windows 7. “I’m happy to confirm that we will indeed be offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) which will allow installation on up to 3 PCs,” he said.
Moreover, LeBlanc also said Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English through the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Portal on Aug. 16. And Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers will be about to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting Aug. 23.
Microsoft Volume License (VL) customers with existing Software Assurance (SA) licenses will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting Aug. 7 via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), LeBlanc said.
And, finally, for consumers, LeBlanc said:
““Windows 7 will be in retail stores and shipping on new PCs starting October 22nd. If you pre-ordered Windows 7, it should be delivered sometime around the October 22nd timeframe (depends on the retailer).”“