Windows 8 Status Now RTM

Only two months after the latest preview flavor of Windows 8 was made available for download, Microsoft announced that the platform was released to manufacturing today.

The availability of the RTM flavor of the operating system means that Microsoft finally applied the latest touches to it, and that OEM partners are currently receiving the final code. Thus, Windows 8 PCs can start entering production, so that they would be ready for the commercial release of the platform, set for October 26th. On that day, Windows 8 will be available for users with a price tag of $39.99 attached to it for upgraders, or on new devices powered by the platform. Moreover, Microsoft notes that all those who will purchase an eligible Windows 7 PC today will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro when it becomes available for only $14.99 (U.S.) through the Windows Upgrade Offer.

While most of us will be able to grab the new platform only when it becomes available for purchase in October, Windows 8 RTM is being delivered to various people starting with this month:

• August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via their MSDN subscriptions.
• August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through their 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 them to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within their 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.

For the rest of the world, Windows 8 is still available as a Release Preview, and will remain up for download this way for the following months, Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc notes in a blog post. Starting with August 15th, developers will find in the Windows Dev Center not only the RTM flavor of Windows 8, but also the final version of Visual Studio 2012, which will enable them to design, build, and sell apps in the Windows Store. Along with the Windows 8 RTM flavor, Microsoft also announced that paid applications can now be submitted to the Windows Store, and that businesses can also start pushing their software to the portal.

Windows 8 RTM
Image credits to Microsoft

Posted in: Preview, Software