Steven Sinofsky, senior vice president of the Windows engineering group, said in a blog post that "if the feedback and telemetry on Windows 7 match our expectations," the next-generation operating system "will enter the final phases of the process in about 3 months."

That schedule would get Windows 7 into RTM mode around Aug. 11. From there, if Microsoft adheres to the schedule it followed with Windows XP, Windows 7-based PCs should be available around Oct. 11, in time for the start of the holiday shopping season.

Sinofsky did note that the schedule could change, saying, "The quality of the product and a smooth finish are the most important criteria."

This version of the story originally appeared in Computerworld 's print edition.