Windows

The next versions of the Windows client and server OSs will continue to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, with timely delivery a key goal. Changes are concentrated in areas likely to entice large organizations and consumers to upgrade. Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are being developed simultaneously, so release candidates of both products were made publicly available in Apr. 2009.

With Windows 7, Microsoft is continuing to work with hardware manufacturers and software developers to ensure they adapt their products to support Windows 7 by the general availability date—Oct. 22, 2009. An Oct. 2009 general availability date means that the final code will be released to manufacturing in late June or early July.

Although development is synchronized, Microsoft indicates Windows Server 2008 R2 will be broadly available at the same time. Broad availability appears to mean the server OS will be available to customers with Enterprise or other volume license agreements, with server general availability likely before the end of 2009.