Windows Ecosystem Readiness Program
Updated: October 22, 2009
The Windows Ecosystem Readiness Program provides resources to help you ensure compatibility with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, promote your compatibility, and continue to build upon the capabilities of Windows 7. If you are not already signed up for the Windows Ecosystem Readiness Program, consider joining.
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Be Compatible with Windows 7
Here's what you can do to ensure that your products are ready for Windows 7 in the marketplace.
Get the RTM Builds
If you are a TechNet or MSDN subscriber you can download the RTM versions of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 from the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) or from TechNet.
| • | MSDN: Log on or subscribe to MSDN to access the RTM builds through your MSDN Subscriber Downloads. After you log on to MSDN, go to Subscriber Downloads and look under Operating Systems for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. |
| • | TechNet: You can also visit the TechNet Web site to log on or subscribe and get the RTM builds. |
Test and Verify Windows 7 Compatibility
Test your applications and device drivers to verify that they function properly on Windows 7 and, if necessary, update your code to help ensure that customers have a great experience with your product and Windows 7.
New white papers and Help files on the WDK Developer Tools site help you start testing for Windows 7 and include Driver Verifier in Windows 7. Take advantage of the latest Windows Driver Kit and the Windows Logo Kit (WLK) 1.4 release.
After component-level testing, measure and analyze system performance of your products by using the Windows Performance Toolkit v.4.1.1. This kit helps to ensure that your device, driver, and applications are resource-efficient and responsive with minimal effect on overall system performance.
Obtain a Windows Logo
The Windows Logo Program offers tools and resources to help you identify and resolve potential compatibility issues with Windows 7. You can use these tools and resources to help your product obtain the "Compatible with Windows 7" or "Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2" logo:
If your product is already verified compatible with Windows 7 but you don't yet have a Windows 7 Logo, we encourage you to maximize the value of your investment by obtaining the Windows 7 Logo. To do so, you must demonstrate that your product passes Microsoft-endorsed standards for compatibility and reliability on computers running Windows 7.
Announce That Your Product Is Ready
Ensure that your organization is ready to promote your product's compatibility with Windows 7. Here are four activities that your business can undertake to take advantage of your compatibility:
| • | Promote Your Compatibility: Display your compatibility status on your Web site and system specs. It's important to let your customers know that you are ready by updating your product and support Web pages and your packaging and marketing collateral to list your 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 support status. |
| • | Get Listed: Get listed in the Windows 7 Compatibility Center and reach millions of customers. Make sure your products get listed by submitting compatibility status or pledging your support on the Product Submission page. |
| • | Display Your Windows Logo: Display the “Compatible with Windows 7” logo on product packaging. Distinguish your product through the logo and the power of a recognized Microsoft brand. Customers will look for the logo to identify products that are compatible and reliable on Windows 7. Make sure you communicate your commitment to compatibility and reliability by displaying the Logo. To qualify to display the Logo, you must first pass the Windows 7 Logo Program requirements. For hardware program details, see the Windows Logo Program Overview. |
| • | Prepare to Sell: Get ready to sell your product with Windows 7. Learn about the overarching vision, new key features, and benefits of Windows 7 and Windows Internet Explorer 8 with The Business Value of Selling and implementing Windows 7 and IE8 (enrollment required). Use the Windows Demo Toolkit to build and develop a Windows demo PC. Take advantage of Windows demo scripts to sell your product with Windows 7 to your customers. Visit the Online Readiness Toolkit for more great resources. |
Continue to Build on Windows 7 Capabilities
Microsoft's investment in key areas of Windows 7 continues to offer opportunities for hardware partners after GA. To get an idea of what is possible, view a video overview of new capabilities for devices in Windows 7. You can also learn more about taking advantage of Windows 7 advances in the following areas:
| • | Develop Rich Device Applications. Device-specific applications are a way to extend your product's brand and services. Take advantage of opportunities in Windows 7 by evaluating the Windows 7 Developer Guide. |
| • | Capitalize on Natural User Interaction. Windows Touch enables new input capabilities, including ink and gesture support, plus handwriting recognition. |
| • | Support Enhanced Graphics. Support for the new display and graphics technologies in Windows 7 allows users to experience high quality graphics and media. Learn how you can support Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) version 1.1; DirectX technologies, including Direct3D 11, Direct3D 10, and the new Direct2D API; enhanced video playback; simplified connecting and configuring displays; improved color management; high dots per inch (DPI) and increased readability; multi-GPU systems; and linked display adapters, also called co-rendering. |
| • | Create Better Device Experiences. Device makers can unlock new value with a collection of features introduced in Windows 7 that improves how users discover and interact with devices connected to their PCs. The new Windows Device Experience Platform enables you to extend your brand and services to your customers every time they connect one of your devices to their PC. |
| • | Enable Simple Device Connectivity. Seamless user experiences begin with the ability to connect devices easily. With Windows Rally Technologies, Windows 7 shows users all wireless devices available for them to install and use—they simply pick a device, confirm the connection, and start using it. |
| • | Provide More Media on More Devices. Windows 7 makes it easy to use your home audio-video system and other networked media devices to play music, watch videos, and display photos that reside on your computer. |
