Windows 7 RC1 Makes A Debut, Will Go Public May 5th

According to information posted on the Microsoft Partner Website, TechNet and MSDN subscribers may now be able to download the first release candidate of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system. And according to that same page the Windows 7 RC will be going public starting May 5, 2009.



Its entirely possible this might just be another slip up like last month's early posting that gave away details of Microsoft's plans to give out the RC in May, however the download link for MSDN and TechNet subscribers does hit a live page. I should note that there isn't a link yet for the RC all I see listed are updates and the Windows 7 Beta.

Update - The Windows Partner page has now been changed to mention the Windows 7 beta and all information regarding Windows 7 RC reomved. So it now appears as though this was yet another slip by MS, most likely an intentional slip attempting to add a little more buzz about the upcoming release.

Also featured on the page are the updated Windows 7 SKU editions and feature set information which includes; Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate. As we already know Windows 7 Home Basic emerging markets only and Windows 7 Starter will be a limited distribution which we expect to see in netbooks and low powered machines only.

The new features include:

Windows 7 Home Premium

• Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.
• Safe, reliable, and supported.
• Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.
• Improved taskbar and JumpLists.
• Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.
• Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and Internet connection sharing).
• Mobility Center is included.
• Aero Glass and advanced Windows navigation.
• Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.
• Improved media format support, enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.
• Multitouch and improved handwriting recognition.

Windows 7 Professional

• Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.
• Safe, reliable, and supported.
• Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.
• Improved taskbar and JumpLists.
• Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.
• Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and Internet connection sharing).
• Mobility Center is included.
• Aero Glass and advanced Windows navigation.
• Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.
• Improved media format support, enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.
• Multitouch and improved handwriting recognition.
• Domain Join enables simple and secure server networking.
• Encrypting File System protects data with advanced network backup.
• Location Aware Printing helps find the right printer when moving between the office and home.

Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate

• Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.
• Safe, reliable, and supported.
• Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.
• Improved taskbar and JumpLists.
• Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.
• Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and Internet connection sharing).
• Mobility Center is included.
• Aero Glass and advanced Windows navigation.
• Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.
• Improved media format support, enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.
• Multitouch and improved handwriting recognition.
• Domain Join enables simple and secure server networking.
• Encrypting File System protects data with advanced network backup.
• Location Aware Printing helps find the right printer when moving between the office and home.
• BitLocker protects data on removable devices.
• DirectAccess links users to corporate resources from the road without a virtual private network (VPN).
• BranchCache makes if faster to open files and Web pages from a branch office.
• AppLocker easily restricts unauthorized software and enables greater security.

**Note: Windows 7 Ultimate includes all Windows 7 Enterprise features, plus multiple-language packs.

The Optimized Desktop and Software Assurance
Windows 7 Enterprise is part of the Microsoft Optimized Desktop, which also includes the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) suite of management, deployment, and virtualization tools.

If your PCs are covered by Software Assurance when Windows 7 is released, then you automatically get the rights to deploy Windows 7 Enterprise to those PCs without an additional license fee (media fulfillment fees may apply).

Microsoft is committed to delivering continual innovation to enterprise customers through Software Assurance with more regular releases of Windows, additional value in Windows 7 Enterprise, and regular updates of the Desktop Optimization Pack.