Microsoft has officially announced that its upcoming Windows 8 operating system is ready for production. That ends the software's test phase, allowing the manufacturer to start sending product codes to OEMs. These system builders will then ensure that sufficient Windows 8-based devices will be available at launch. Apart from Windows 8, the Windows Server 2012 software was also finalised. This operating system is to launch September 4th, in the versions Windows Server 212 Standard and Datacenter, as well as the affordable Windows Server 2012 Essentials and Windows Server 2012 Foundation. The latter can be matched with cheap server hardware.
Starting August 15th, software developers will have access to the final version of Windows 8 with their MSDN account. Access to Visual Studio 2012 is also provided through the same subscription. System managers with a TechNet account will also be able to download and test the new operating system.
From the 16th of August, consumers that are part of Microsoft's Software Assurance program, will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise with a Volume License Service Center, allowing these system managers to test the software within their organisations. All Microsoft's Partner Network members will also be granted access.
Lastly, all Microsoft Action Pack Providers will gain access to Windows 8 on the 20th of August. For consumers, the operating system is to launch on October 26th. If you'd like to test the software but are ineligible to any of the aforementioned programs, there's always the Windows 8 Release Preview to download.
