The toolkit used by ISVs to insure that you’re software is Compatible with Windows 7 is reached final. Previous versions of the toolkit were considered prerelease although thousands of applications received the logo using it.

Applications that pass and are registered with WinQual qualify for partner points that apply toward the ISV Competency in the Microsoft Partner Network.

The ISVs that I work closely with are now using the software logo test as part of their testing process. The test tool can be run from a command line, so can be integrated into your testing cycles for release. The results are saved in an XML file that are human and machine readable.

Getting Started

Steps for achieving the Compatible with Windows 7 Software Logo:

1. Start early
   Review the requirements and identify any code changes necessary to meet them.
2. Use the Logo Toolkit self-test tool for verification
   Download and install the latest release of the toolkit.  Note the 64-bit architecture and OS requirements in the readme.txt file.  Run your application through the toolkit as explained in the toolkit overview in the downloads section to verify the application’s compliance against the requirements.
3. Make any code changes (if necessary) and retest
   If any changes to the application are needed to comply with the requirements, make the necessary changes and retest with the toolkit to verify compliance.
4. Opt-in to receive email notifications
   Microsoft will begin accepting Logo submissions with the release of the beta toolkit due out the end of May.  We strongly encourage you to opt-in to receive email notifications when the toolkit is released and when the program opens for submissions.
5. After testing, submit for the Logo
   After successful testing (PASS, PASS WITH WARNING) submit the passing results at http://winqual.microsoft.com by uploading the .xml result report.  See the submission overview in the downloads section for more information.
6. Sign the Software Logo License Agreement
   Once passing results have been submitted, sign the license agreement at https://winqual.microsoft.com.  You can then download and begin to use the Logo artwork and will be eligible to receive all the available Logo benefits.
7. Sign the Software Logo License Agreement
   Earn partner points by logging into your partner account on the Microsoft Partner Network site. Add your applicaiton to the site as logo tested applications. Use the exact same name for your application that you used when you submitted your logo to WinQual. You should see the points applied immediately.

The Windows 7 logo program helps your customers make better purchase decisions by identifying products via the “Compatible with Windows 7” logo that have passed Microsoft-designed tests for compatibility and reliability on Windows 7.  For software publishers looking to build on Windows 7, the program provides partners not only increased visibility through marketing support but also unrivaled tools to help partners deliver products that they, and their end-users, can be confident will “just work” on Windows 7.

For more information, see Windows 7 Client Software Logo Program.

For a video on how one partner got the logo, see How Attachmate Earned Windows 7 Software Logo.

Front Runner

If you have not yet registered your application, you can still take part in the Front Runner program for US ISVs. Earning the Front Runner stamp is available only for a limited time. You do not need to complete the Compatible with Windows 7 software logo, but doing so gives you additional confidence in supporting Windows 7.

Front Runner is an early adopter program for ISVs in the US that helps you get your applications compatible with the latest Microsoft technologies. Once you tell us that your application is compatible, you’ll get a range of marketing benefits to help you let your customers know you’re a Front Runner, including customizable marketing and public relations campaigns, plus listings in Microsoft directories that are viewed by millions of people.

For a video with a Microsoft partner about the benefits of Front Runner for Windows 7, see Attachmate Describes Benefits of Joining Front Runner for Windows 7.

For ISVs outside the United States, you can participate in Green Light for Windows Server 7.

You can list your application in the Windows 7 Compatibility Center through Front Runner or Green Light.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation