Fast forward: Windows 7 release likely in August

The release of what is arguably Microsoft’s most important product launch ever is likely to be forwarded by about five months. With the success of the numerous beta trials of Windows 7, the Redmond-based software giant could ship its next-generation operating system as early as August this year, reliable sources said.

“The Beta 2 version of Windows 7 is currently rolling and all current licenses for Beta 2 are scheduled to roll out till August,” said a source, adding, “Microsoft generally announces shipments of products a month or so before the beta licences expire. Moreover, with the RC (release candidate) set to roll out anytime, the August rollout date is clearly a possibility going by the feedback from Microsoft’s project team at Redmond.”