Is Windows 7 ready to be launched? Microsoft’s Partner Program website says that Windows 7 Release Candidate will arrive on May 5th. If that’s not a human error then you might indeed be able to get the RC release earlier than you were expecting. The final version is still scheduled for late 2009 or even early 2010 but by then you might be able to run the RC and test it out. Here’s what the Microsoft’s Partner Program says:

As the next-generation operating system from Microsoft, Windows 7 opens new development, sales, and services opportunities for your business. With Windows 7, you can offer your customers a robust foundation for high-quality experiences across applications, services, PCs, and devices. We are pleased to announce that Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) is available. Windows 7 RC is the prerelease version of Windows 7. Since this is not the final release, your PC will gather and send information to Microsoft engineers to help them check the fixes and changes made based on testing of Windows 7 Beta. Test-drive Windows 7 RC today to see for yourself—and to show your colleagues and customers—how Windows 7 delivers improved management, security, reliability, and performance. Download Windows 7 RC Partners: If you have a subscription to MSDN or TechNet, you can download Windows 7 RC now. Otherwise, you can download Windows 7 RC starting May 5, 2009.