A new cookbook and developer guide and help you make sure your applications are ready for Windows 7. DevReadiness provides links to the documentation, videos, and developer kits. For example, you'll find:

• Windows 7 Application Compatibility Cookbook. Provides a step-by-step guide on how to verify the compatibility of your applications with the new operating system and provides an overview of the few known application compatibility issues in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
• Windows 7 Logo Requirements. Explains what it takes to have your application pass certification.

Application certification on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 has never been easier. And testing your application is more cost effective than ever. You can earn a Windows 7 logo with self tests. And the initial testing for Windows Server 2008 R2 are done in house as well. The cookbook and developer guide are the keys. For more information see my earlier blog posting, App Certification Gets Easier for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2. 

Your application can earn the Windows 7 certification logo.

Windows 7 Logo Requirements provides a short list of how your application must behave for Windows 7. And those who write commercial software and many hobbiest have already faced these issues. Here's the list:

1. Comply with Anti-spyware Coaliton Guidelines
2. Do not modify Windows Resource Protection (WRP) protection resources, such as registry keys that are protected.
3. Ensure ongoing quality
4. Install and uninstall cleanly
5. Install to the correct folders by default
6. Support x64 versions of Windows
7. Follow User Account Control (UAC) Guidelines
8. Do not load Services and Drivers in Safe Mode
9. Digitally sign files
10. Do not prevent an installation or application from launching because of OS version checking
11. Prevent unnecessary reboots
12. Support multiuser sessions
13. Minimize application failures

That's it. So between self testing, understanding the requirements, good install techniques, and application testing on Windows 7, your application can be ready for the next version of Windows. Then with just a couple more steps, can receive the Windows 7 logo. Check out devreadiness.org for more details.

Meanwhile, the limit the number of downloads for Windows 7 has been removed. It had been set at 2.5 million, but no limit now. You can download Windows 7 from the Microsoft partner site. To download Windows 7, see Partner Program Windows 7. There's links for the forums where you can get questions answered. You'll also find quick references there too.