Windows 7 released to computer makers

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Microsoft on Wednesday declared its next-generation Windows 7 operating system
ready for delivery to computer makers.
A Windows 7 release-to-manufacturers (RTM) is meant to allow time for the software to be built into computers
and other smart hardware to be available when Microsofts latest operating system debuts publicly on October
22.
Today after all the validation checks were met, we signed off and declared build 7600 as RTM, Brendon
LeBlanc of the Windows Team said in a message posted Wednesday at Microsofts official website. Not only is
RTM an important milestone for us, its also an important milestone for our partners.
Microsoft put Windows 7 through myriad quality tests and incorporated feedback from partners and test users
before approving it for release to computer makers, according to LeBlanc.
Our customers told us what they want (and expect) and we defined those specific experiences and then built
features to support them, LeBlanc wrote.
Windows 7 today runs great on the broadest array of hardware types ranging from netbooks to high-end
gaming machines.
Windows 7 code will be delivered to hardware makers within the next few days, according to Microsoft.