This week, Microsoft is making a big push to the consumer in building Windows 7 awareness and excitement.  Friday, the public will be able to download the beta version and begin their own evaluation, through August 1st.  Following on the heels of a successful PDC, it should be obvious to everyone that we are making good on the promise of continued innovation of the Windows platform.

But I caution companies that are licensed for Vista but assuming that they should now delay or slow down their Windows Vista SP1 deployments.  Rather, you should take this news as a confidence boost that your investment in planning, testing and deployment have prepared you to better asses the potential of Windows 7 in the enterprise.  We are on the road to Windows 7, and the smoothest way to get there is by taking the Windows Vista SP1 route.

First, a couple of notes first about the Windows 7 beta.

· It only supports Windows Vista SP1 to Windows 7 upgrades.  No trying this out on a Windows XP machine.

· Only one edition will be available, the equivalent of Windows Vista Ultimate Edition.

Most enterprises will have access to bits through MSDN or perhaps PDC participation.  Just be aware that the beta released the public is not intended for corporate evaluation.  Contact your Microsoft account team if you have any questions.

Are you aware of the Windows XP support lifecycle?

Windows XP is now 8 years old, and will lose mainstream support in April 2009.  It’s important that you have a plan for both assessing potential risks and planning for migration.  Many companies have policies related to only using products with full vendor support.  If you are unfamiliar with the potential impact, you can review the Microsoft support lifecycle policy FAQ.

So how should you think about Windows Vista SP1 and Windows 7?  There are 3 things I would suggest to any customer:

Production Pilots of Windows Vista SP1

Almost 10% of our EA accounts have yet to deploy a Windows Vista license.  Now is a good time to collaborate with your DSMM to market Vista production pilots to these customers.  The reason is two-fold.  First, it gives us exposure to their infrastructure and deployment plans.  With this information, we (our Partners and MCS) can better engage in an optimization dialogue, up-leveling from a Vista conversation.  Secondly, a production pilot can significantly increase our deployed seats, bringing us closer to the Fy goal.

Demo Windows 7

Be proactive, and ask your Microsoft account team to schedule a Windows 7 demo with you.  Kick the tires, ask questions.  Discuss your thoughts, what you find compelling, your concerns.  Windows is all about you. 

Allow us to share the Windows platform story: the OS, MDOP and server tools that make up our Desktop, Server and Device Management strategy.  Let’s talk about the roadmap, the fact that it’s inclusive of Windows Vista SP1, and that we have case studies in your industry of other companies that are taking advantage of their Windows client OS licenses now, making them better prepared for assessing Windows 7.

For many of you, this hopefully confirms the activities you’re already taking, and that’s great.  I too am excited about Windows 7, but even more confident that we’re demonstrating our commitment to continue the success of Windows XP and Windows Vista.