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By Ina Fried, 3 June 2009 08:26

NEWS

Microsoft confirmed on Tuesday it is planning for Windows 7 to hit shelves on 22 October this year.

To reach that milestone, Microsoft plans to wrap up development of the operating system by the middle or end of next month, senior vice president Bill Veghte said in an interview.

"The feedback from the release candidate has been good," Veghte said. Microsoft made the near-final release candidate version available last month. Shortly after its release, Microsoft finally confirmed that it was aiming for Windows 7 to be available for Christmas.

In an interview, Phil McKinney, chief technology officer of HP's computer unit, said that he feels good about Microsoft's launch date.

"We're locked and loaded for the launch," McKinney said. "The quality of code is just absolutely stellar."

The software maker also confirmed, without giving details, that it plans to offer some sort of "technology guarantee" giving those who buy Vista machines close to the Windows 7 launch a free or discounted copy of the new operating system.

The tech guarantee programme is not beginning immediately but Microsoft did raise the possibility it will offer some sort of lower-cost upgrade to those who are already using Windows Vista.

The technology guarantee programme is likely to mean that Microsoft will do some deferring of Vista-related revenue, though Microsoft again did not spell out details.

"Depending on when we do it there will be the associated accounting for it," Veghte said.

Microsoft has said Windows 7 will come in five different editions in most markets - Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate. A "Windows 7 Basic" will also be sold in emerging markets, Microsoft said.

The software maker has yet to announce pricing for the product.