Windows 7 Close to RTM Status

Datamation content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

Microsoft apparently almost announced Monday that Windows 7 had been “Released to Manufacturing,” or RTMed, according to several sharp-eyed observers who read an unedited transcript of a senior executive’s speech — after the speech.

However, the speech itself, when it was presented by Bill Veghte, senior vice president of Windows marketing, at this year’s Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Worldwide Partners Conference in New Orleans, did not contain any mention of RTM Monday, and the transcript of his speech has clearly been edited.

“Editor’s note — July 14, 2009 — Bill Veghte’s remarks have been updated to correct Windows 7 release to manufacturing timing information due to a transcription error,” says a statement at the top of the transcript of Veghte’s speech.

Rumor sites had been buzzing for weeks, trying to ascertain the RTM date by examining build numbers of copies of the code that were considered to be candidates for the version that ultimately will be sent out for manufacturing. Most recently, sites were almost universal in predicting Monday, July 13 as the day. At that time, though, sources who had been briefed warned that day was out.

Then, Tuesday, a transcript of Veghte’s speech, posted on Microsoft’s partner conference “press room” site apparently had him announcing that RTM was in process.

“It is such an exciting time. This morning we will release Windows 7 to manufacturing, and we write that next chapter, we go after that opportunity,” Veghte is quoted as not-saying in a post of that part of the transcript on the Windows 7 Forums.

Tech enthusiast site Neowin.net also spotted the discrepancy, as did Paul Thurrott of news site WinInfo.

This morning, this month, whenever …

A Microsoft spokesperson acknowledged that Veghte’s speech transcript had contained the language in question, but put its presence down to a transcription error.

“The transcript says ‘This morning we will release Windows 7 to manufacturing, and we write that next chapter, we go after that opportunity.’ However, in actual speech, Veghte says ‘This month’ instead of ‘This morning,'” the spokesperson continued.

To date, all Microsoft has said on the record is that RTM will occur in the second half of July. Once Windows 7 reaches RTM, it is signed off by senior executives and sent to PC makers and retailers so they can have product ready for sale when the system hits store shelves on October 22, just in time for the holiday sales season.

One thing is for certain, there is a lot of anticipation built up around every significant date for Windows 7 and this one is no exception. By the way, the second half of July is only two days away.

Senior Editor Andy Patrizio contributed to this report.

Article courtesy of InternetNews.com.