Windows 7 could have pre-holiday launch

REDMOND, Wash., May 11 (UPI) -- U.S. software giant Microsoft Corp. said its newest operating system, Windows 7, would be available for the 2009 holiday season.

"With early testing and partner feedback we've received over the past few weeks, Windows 7 is tracking well for holiday availability," Senior Vice President of Windows business Bill Veghte said in a statement, InformationWeek reported Monday.

Anticipation of the specific release date is likely to remain high, but the company is reluctant to announce a date, in case there are unexpected delays, InformationWeek said.

"It's important to note that quality is key and we're taking a milestone-by-milestone approach," Veghte said.

"We will not ship Windows 7 until it meets the quality bar we demand for our customers," he said.