Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Server released to manufacture

Microsoft has begun to manufacture the highly anticipated Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the next versions of its flagship desktop and server operating systems.

With the completion of this development phase, industry partners are readying products in time for the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 worldwide launch. Windows 7 will launch in October.

As always, current Windows Volume Licence customers, MSDN subscribers and Technet subscribers will get first customer access to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 in the coming weeks.

"Today, Microsoft has reached a significant milestone in delivering Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 to our manufacturing partners. Together, these tools will help to reduce the cost and complexity for local businesses. They make users more productive by automating everyday tasks, delivering enhanced security and steamlining manageability," Microsoft Malta country manager Pierre Mallia said. Microsoft made the announcement on its Windows Team and Windows Server blogs ( http://windowsteamblog.com ).

Jonathan Vella, information solutions architect at Infomate Ltd, said Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 provide more reliable, more responsive and easier to use systems. Some customers have already experienced the beta versions of Windows 7 and, Mr Vella said many are eager to deploy the product on workstations.

Many local customers are already benefiting from the Windows Server 2008 R2 facilities, he pointed out.