We're all used to software being shipped late.  When the developer talks timelines, we roll our eye, smile gently to ourselves and mentally add six months.  Microsoft are no exception, Vista was eventually years after originally indicated.  So this week's announcement of Windows 7's shipping date is extraordinary - you see, it is going to earlier than orginally expected. October 22nd!

Early indications were for a release early next year, but as we foreshadowed in an earlier posting, the quality testing of Windows 7 has been even better than anticipated, resulting in an earlier release (www.kinetics.co.nz/newssite/Pages/Windows7iscoming.aspx). 

So, why do you care? Five quick reasons

• First version of Windows to run on SLOWER hardware - so you might upgrade your old machine to Windows 7 rather than wait for a new one.
• Extremely stable and reliable, as fast as XP and more powerful than Vista, easier to use
• Smarter use of peripherals, providing richer experience and better outcomes
• More secure, right down to encrypting USB sticks
• Improved search interface, easier to get to what you need faster

Microsoft's story is here (from Computex)

For more information, or a demo, please contact your Kinetics account manager.  I've been using Windows 7 through the Beta and RC programmes, and it measures up to the hype!