All the media attention of Windows Vista release is nearly over, now it’s time to turn our attention on next Windows release, which is currently renamed to “Windows 7”. The next version of windows was originally codenamed as Blackcomb and then renamed to Windows Vienna, before being renamed to “Windows 7”. The geeks are still in dilemma whether it is “Windows Seven” or Windows “7”.
At Microsoft’s Global Exchange (MGX) annual sales conference in Orlando this week, Microsoft shared a bit information on Windows “7”. Among the information shared was that Microsoft is anticipating that it will take at least three years from now on to release the next version of Windows, which means it will be shipped in 2010. The specific release date will be determined later on by meeting the quality bar.
Until now, Microsoft has released very little information about Windows “7” apart from that the next version will be shipped in both the flavours 32 bits as well as 64 bits, contrary to public belief that next version will only be release in 64 bits flavour. Interestingly, a subscription model is also being considered for the future Windows which is highly criticised in various media reports for its value. According to Forrester Research, One in four companies that bought into Microsoft’s Software Assurance licensing programme in 2004 are being deterred from renewing the three-year deal because they perceive it to be poor value
Microsoft said the outline of Windows 7 was provided particularly for enterprise customers and partners including those who are part of the software maker’s Software Assurance licensing programme. Many business customers pay for Microsoft’s software under a license agreement called Software Assurance. Software Assurance is the Microsoft program that allows customers with volume licenses for Windows automatically get upgrades when new versions come out.
The Windows teams a while back set themselves the goal of releasing new versions of Windows client and Windows server every two years, alternating between major and minor releases.
