Windows 7 RTM Coming on August 6th, Family Pack Included

With lots of speculations and rumors that Windows 7 has reached RTM, Brandon LeBlanc from Windows 7 team blog has confirmed the dates when Windows 7 RTM would be available- August 6th. Windows team blog has given more precise information on when you will be able to get RTM. Again, when you can get RTM will depends on who you are. Although the RTM will be made available in August, the general availability will be October 22nd. Below are the details on RTM availability.

For Partners & OEMs:

ISV (Independent software vendor) and IHV (Independent hardware vendor) Partners will be able to download Windows 7 RTM from Microsoft Connect or MSDN on August 6th.

Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English through the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Portal on August 16th. By October 1st, the remaining languages will become available to download. OEMs will receive Windows 7 RTM software images beginning approximately 2 days after the officially RTM happens.

For Business Customers:

If you are a Volume License (VL) customer with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license you will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 7th via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC).

For IT Professionals:

There are a few ways you can get Windows 7 RTM. IT Professionals with TechNet Subscriptions will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st.

For Developers:

Developers with MSDN Subscriptions will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st

For Beta Testers & Enthusiasts:

Beta testers will not be getting the free copy of Windows 7 unless they have a MSDN or Technet subscription. If you have a valid subscription, you can download Windows 7 soon after it is RTM happens.

For Consumers:

Windows 7 will be in retail stores and shipping on new PCs starting October 22nd. If you have pre-ordered Windows 7, you will be getting on Oct 22.

Windows Team Blog has also confirmed that there will be offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) which will allow installation on up to 3 PCs.