Microsoft has launched a new Web site that aims to build interest in its forthcoming Windows 7 operating system among developers and other IT professionals.

Windows 7 screen shot
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TalkingAboutWindows.com, as the site is called, features numerous videos, blog posts, and Q&A's by the Microsoft engineers who helped develop Windows 7.

"IT professionals can listen as our engineers discuss why certain product decisions and feature trade-offs were made in Windows 7," wrote Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft's in-house Windows blogger, in a post Monday.

"A great line-up of videos with the people behind Windows 7 can be found at Talking About Windows with more on the way," wrote LeBlanc.

As of Tuesday, the site hosted videos featuring a number of senior Microsoft programmers and engineers, including technical fellow Mark Russinovich, Windows core OS senior VP Jon Devaan, and senior lead program manager Sharif Farag.

Microsoft plans to release a nearly final version of its Windows 7 operating system to MSDN and TechNet subscribers on Thursday, with a public version of Windows 7 RC slated for release on May 5, according to a previous post by LeBlanc.

If Microsoft is following a timetable similar to that employed for Vista development, then it's highly possible that the company is eyeing a September release date for Windows 7.

The first version of Windows Vista RC dropped in September 2006, about five months before the final version shipped. A similar five-month incubation period for Windows 7 RC would point to a commercial release in September -- possibly in time for the critical back-to-school shopping season.

Microsoft needs Windows 7 to be a hit. Vista, the company's current OS, has failed to catch on with mainstream computer users while businesses have shunned it outright. Many users have complained about Vista's hardware requirements, intrusive security measures, and lack of compatibility with older applications.

Microsoft last week reported that Windows sales fell 16% in the most recent quarter.

InformationWeek has published an in-depth report on Windows 7. Download the report here (registration required).