If your company has an SA license with Microsoft you can download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 7 through the VLSC (Volume License Service Center). If they have TechNet subscriptions, they can download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6 and in the remaining languages on Oct. IT professionals who want Windows 7 RTM have a few options. The networking features that bind the client and server such as DirectAccess and BranchCache have been well-documented at this point, as have the popular Windows 7 desktop features on the client side such as a revamped taskbar and the Aero graphical interface.
Windows 7 marks the first time since Windows 2000 that the client and server versions of Windows will release simultaneously. OEMs (original equipment makers) will now have final code to get PCs ready, software development partners can test new applications, and independent hardware vendors can prepare new hardware. But it is an important step for Microsoft partners and developers. The RTM milestone is not earth-shattering news to consumers, as most of the end-user Windows 7 features have been on display in beta and release candidate form for months. Microsoft made it official today: both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have been released to manufacturing, following through on the company's promise to 'RTM' Windows 7 in the second half of July.
