Microsoft finished with RTM build of Windows 8
The company begins shipping final Windows 8 code to developers
Microsoft has announced that Windows 8 has reached the release-to-manufacturing (RTM) build. This means that the company has finalized the code and has begun the process of getting that code to developers. According to the official Windows blog, the release schedule for Windows 8 is tiered depending on where you stand in Microsoft's developer and enterprise programs.
The full list of available opportunities is below:
August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via your MSDN subscriptions.
August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through your TechNet subscriptions.
August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.
The final build of Visual Studio 2012 will also be available to developers on the Windows Dev Center on August 15. The consumer release of Windows 8 is scheduled for launch on October 26, 2012.