Aidan Finn, IT Pro

I think I just pulled a Joe Namath! 

Microsoft has announced the RTM of Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.

Windows Server 2012 will be GA on September 4th.  Microsoft will be having a virtual launch event, as you might have figured out already by some tweeted studio pictures

Here are two recent blog posts on Windows Server 2012:

• Licensing in detail, including the editions comparison
• Virtualisation licensing scenarios

Windows 8 will be GA on October 26th.  The Windows Store is open for business … but I figured that out too Here’s the release dates for the Windows 8 bits:

• MSDN: August 15th
• TechNet: August 15th
• VLSC with Software Assurance: August 16th 
• The Partner Network: August 16th … when my work PC will be upgraded
• Volume License Resellers: September 1st … when we’ll be selling it to businesses

Windows Server 2012 will be “available to our volume licensing customers in the next couple of weeks”.  I guess it’s the same time frame as Windows 8.

And yes, this means that Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V and Windows 8 Client Hyper-V which are included in those operating systems, has RTMd.  Hyper-V Server 2012 has not RTMd.  It usually follows a while afterwards. My guess it will RTW on or just after September 4th.

On the Windows 8 public testing:

Over 16 million PCs actively participated in these programs, including approximately 7 million on the Release Preview that started 8 weeks ago. The depth and breadth of testing validate the readiness of Windows 8 for the market.

Congratulations to the groups and teams of program managers, designers, developers, testers, and so on.  This is a huge release.  I’m lucky because as an MVP I get direct interaction with some of the PMs.  I saw how rightly proud they were of the work that they’d done in such a short time frame.  Enjoy the celebrations and the time off, folks!

OK, so that’s done.  When is Windows 9 out?  Will it have a Start Menu

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Related posts:

1. Windows 8 and Server 2012 RTM/GA Dates Announced
2. Reminder of Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 Licensing For VL Purchases
3. Windows Server 2012 & Windows 8 Available to Volume License with SA Customers
4. Is Windows Server 2012 RTM Closer Than We Think?