With Microsoft's Wednesday announcement that its forthcoming operating system Windows 7- and its server mate, Windows Server 2008 R2 - have finally hit the "release to manufacturing" landmark, it is evident that the complete and finalized products are ready for delivery to Microsoft partners and customers.

Microsoft said that the Windows 7 RTM code will be made available to select customers and developers from August 6 onwards; and to the general public by October 22. Windows Server 2008 R2 will also be "available on or before that date."

Microsoft is banking heavily on Windows 7 operating system for two main reasons: to undo its reputation and perception damage from the Windows Vista fiasco; and to secure Microsoft's position against rivals like Mac OS X from Apple, and some Linux distributions, which benefited in terms of market share during the Vista period.

Talking about Windows 7 hitting RTM, Microsoft VP Steven Sinofsky saidd in a corporate blog that it marks "an important milestone in the Windows 7 project."

Sinofsky added: "The 'Windows 7' team is proud to share with you that a short while ago we have started to release Windows 7 to PC OEM and manufacturing partners. This means our next major milestone will be the availability of PCs loaded with Windows 7 and store shelves stocked with Windows 7 on October 22, 2009."