When Microsoft confirmed the October 17 launch date for Windows 8.1 last month, the company made the unusual decision to deny developers and IT professionals early access to the RTM (“release to manufacturing”) version of the software. RTM builds are typically considered “final” and are shipped to manufacturing partners weeks or months ahead of the public release. Members of Microsoft’s MSDN and TechNet programs have historically received access to these versions at around the same time, allowing them to test their software and prepare their IT deployments before the public launch. Microsoft’s initial decision to keep the RTM version out of the hands of developers until the public release was met with immediate, and strong, criticism.
Thankfully, the company changed course this week, releasing the RTM version of Windows 8.1 on MSDN and TechNet and issuing a statement on the reversal:
We heard from you that our decision to not initially release Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2 RTM bits was a big challenge for our developer partners as they’re readying new Windows 8.1 apps and for IT professionals who are preparing for Windows 8.1 deployments. We’ve listened, we value your partnership, and we are adjusting based on your feedback.
The decision to release the RTM version is an important one for developers. Although developers and consumers alike have access to the Windows 8.1 Consumer Preview, much has changed since its June release, and developers need advanced access to ensure that their applications are ready to go on the first day of public availability.
In addition to Windows 8.1, Microsoft also announced developer access to Windows Server 2012 RTM and the Visual Studio 2013 Release Candidate. The Enterprise version of Windows 8.1 will also be made available via the same channels “later this month.”
Windows 8.1 represents a significant refinement of the drastic changes brought by Windows 8, introducing a number of new features and improvements. It will be a free update for all users running Windows 8 and will be available for download via the Windows Store on Thursday, October 17.
