Breaking news on Windows 7

MS spokesman Brandon LeBlanc just confirmed a bunch of details about the Windows 7 release – although he left unanswered the biggest questions, which is “When will Windows 7 RTM?”

August 6 is the magic date for official availability of the English version on MSDN and TechNet. One day later, big companies with Volume Licenses and Software Assurance will be able to download the bits.

Brandon also confirmed the existence of a “Family Pack” – an upgrade version for Home Premium that will install on three separate PCs. There are still lots of questions about that one, including the price, but the general upshot is a good one: those of you who missed the scramble for $49 upgrades in the US will probably be able to get three upgrades for roughly the same price.

My guess is that the Family Pack will be the upgrade avenue of choice for small businesses.