I had the opportunity to kick off the Windows 7 developer track in Boston this week.  The “New Efficiency” launch is how Microsoft is introducing Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Exchange 2010. 

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The developer session was 100% full: people that arrived 10 minutes late had to be redirected to another session after all the seats in the theater had been filled in.  I polled the crowd and it was roughly 30% ISVs, 30% consultants, and 40% corporate or government entities. 

I was thrilled to see the strong turnout for Windows 7 development.  Developers are what make our platform compelling – the OS is just an enabler.

The key subjects covered were:

  1. Leveraging UI enhancements such as Windows 7 Taskbar and Jump Lists, enabling users to be more productive
  2. Differentiating applications with next generation UI capabilities including Windows 7 multitouch and the Ribbon (task oriented menus popularized by Office 2007)
  3. Providing context-aware applications that adapt to their surroundings via the Windows 7 Sensor and Location Platform

We’ve been working hard with our partners to get them ready for Windows 7.  Literally thousands of applications have been tested and have a public statement of Windows 7 compatibility support in anticipation of the October 22 general availability date. That kind of support prior to launch of an Operating System is unprecedented; we truly have a fantastic partner community. 

If you are an ISV and haven’t tested your application yet, get yourself over to www.MSDev.com/FrontRunner so you can get yourself tested and tap into some unique marketing benefits once you get your statement of compatibility published.  If you’re interested in the topics covered at the launch, www.MSDev.com has a roster of Windows 7 training you can partake at your leisure.