Microsoft briefly defers Windows 7 Beta

Software giant Microsoft Corporation has decided to push forward, at least by a short time, the "beta" or preliminary test version of its successor to the Windows Vista operating system, Windows 7, according to a message posted on its website.

The beta version of Windows 7 was expected to be launched by noon (Eastern time) to open it up for public testing on Friday. However, on account of unprecedented demand that the company or its servers were not ready for, the launch was deferred to allow for Microsoft to takes steps that would make it easier for consumers to download the operating system.

In its statement, Microsoft said "Due to very heavy traffic we're seeing as a result of interest in the Windows 7 Beta, we are adding some additional infrastructure support to the Microsoft.com properties before we post the public beta." Windows 7, the successor to Windows Vista, is expected to be launched in January 2009 at the latest.

On 7 January, 2009, in a keynote address at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corporation's CEO Steve Ballmer had announced the beta availability of the Windows 7 operating system as well as the availability of the latest version of the Windows Live, a suite of personal communications services and applications. "I'm thrilled to announce the availability of the Windows 7 beta, which is on track to deliver simplicity and reliability," Ballmer had said.

"Windows 7 and Windows Live are part of an incredible pipeline of consumer technology that is making it easier than ever for people to communicate, share and get more done."

However, subsequently Microsoft pulled the download, posting a message on its website that said "We want to ensure customers have the best possible experience when downloading the beta, and I'll be posting here again soon once the beta goes live. Stay tuned! We are excited that you are excited!" Reports as early as Friday morning had indicated that Microsoft's servers were virtually overloaded by the demand for Windows 7, even before the files were initially posted.