Given the estimated release date for Windows 7, we all expected that there would be only one beta before an RC. Microsoft proved the community right when they announced yesterday that the next step would be a Release Candidate (RC). This means no Beta 2.

With the RC, this process of feedback based on telemetry then repeats itself. However at this milestone we will be very selective about what changes we make between the Release Candidate and the final product, and very clear in communicating them. We will act on the most critical issues. The point of the Release Candidate is to make sure everyone is ready for the release and that there is time between the Release Candidate and our release to PC makers and manufacturing to validate all the work that has gone on since the pre-Beta. Again, we expect very few changes to the code.

They still have not yet said anything about the release date. Here’s another excerpt of the steps Windows 7 will go through:

• Pre-Beta – This release at the PDC introduced the developer community to Windows 7 and represents the platform complete release and disclosure of the features.
• Beta – This release provided a couple of million folks the opportunity to use feature complete Windows 7 while also providing the telemetry and feedback necessary for us to validate the quality, reliability, compatibility, and experience of Windows 7. As we said, we are working with our partners across the ecosystem to make sure that testing and validation and development of Windows 7-based products begins to enter final phases as we move through the Beta.
• Release Candidate (RC) – This release will be Windows 7 as we intend to ship it. We will continue to listen to feedback and telemetry with the focus on addressing only the most critical issues that arise. We will be very clear in communicating any changes that have a visible impact on the product. This release allows the whole ecosystem to reach a known state together and make sure that we are all ready together for the Release to Manufacturing. Once we get to RC, the whole ecosystem is in “dress rehearsal” mode for the next steps.
• Release to Manufacturing (RTM) – This release is the final Windows 7 as we intend to make available to PC makers and for retail and volume license products.
• General Availability (GA) – This is a business milestone and represents when you can buy Windows 7 pre-installed on PCs or as full packaged product.

Overall, Microsoft claims Windows 7 Beta to be a great success. I urge everybody to continue using the Send Feedback feature so Microsoft can hear us out on what needs to change and get fixed.

You can read the whole post at Engineering Windows 7

Related posts:

1. Microsoft sends out Windows 7 Beta 1 Invites Update: We’ve included a copy of the letter sent out…
2. Windows 7 Beta available Early 2009 and was NOT delayed You may have been hearing from Kennedy at Infoworld that…
3. Microsoft responds to UAC criticism in Windows 7 and fixes design flaws After much criticism towards a huge UAC security flaw…

Syndicated via RSS From: http://windows7center.com

Get free white papers delivered direct to your inbox from IT Knowledge Hub! Register now for cutting edge webcasts, reports, and white papers in your area of expertise.