Windows

Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2, the current Windows client and server OSs, share a common set of key files, were developed simultaneously, and had the same general availability date: Oct. 22, 2009. Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are the result of evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes to the OS: no major architectural changes were made to the underlying components of either product; rather, changes were concentrated in areas likely to induce large organizations and consumers to upgrade.

Windows Client OS

The most recent Windows client version, Windows 7, was released to manufacturing in July 2009. Volume customers were able to begin deployments in Aug. 2009 and general availability was Oct. 22, 2009. (See the illustration “Windows Client Overview“.) Windows Vista remains in mainstream support. (See the chart “Past Windows Client Versions“.)

Windows 7

Although Windows 7 was initially only a code name, Microsoft decided to retain the name for the final product release. For Windows 7, Microsoft followed the proven path of the Windows Server team, which has issued a steady stream of alternating major and minor releases every two to three years, and for interim or minor releases restricted changes to fine-tuning and refining the existing architecture. As a consequence, the Windows client team met its original goal of releasing Windows 7 within three years of Vista’s general availability date.