Windows 8 Reaches the RTM Stage

August 1, 2012
|In News, New Products
|By warranty

FINALLY: Microsoft has announced that they are nearing a finishing point when it comes to Windows 8. The development of the new OS has reached the RTM (release to manufacturing) milestone. What this means, is that both product development and testing have come to an end, and the company has passed the torch to their OEM partners for preparing the new Windows 8 PCS and all applicable devices which will be introduced with general availability of the super 8 system. Provided there are no bugs to hinder the process, the OS’ launch should take place on October 26 (a date also saved for the landing of the new Microsoft Surface Tablet).

Before the October launch, however, the Windows 8 RTM will be up-for-grabs amongst developers and IT professionals for downloading and toying with via MSDN and TechNet. In fact, the new system will be provided for a diversifying group of people, before it becomes fair game to all. As noted on The Windows Blog, the timeline for release of the system, and its availability to various people, should proceed as follows:

• August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via your MSDN subscriptions.
• August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through your TechNet subscriptions.
• August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
• August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
• August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
• September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

Take a look at some things we may expect to see with Windows 8 by watching this video preview of the revolutionary OS:

Before the official launch, you can actually take Windows 8 for a test cruise, by downloading a Release Preview here.

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