In a bid to avoid situation when compatibility issues plague its new operating system, Microsoft Corp. strongly demands that independent hardware vendors (IHVs) tested beta version of its next-generation Windows 7 operating system (OS) alongside Windows Vista once that beta emerges. But while the process will allow keep away from problems with Windows 7, it will require additional efforts from IHVs.

“Beginning with the first beta of Windows 7 all Windows Vista submissions must include a complete CPK (compressed package) with test logs from Windows 7. The test logs generated are note required to pass,” a statement in the most recent list of requirements for IHVs who want to get Windows Vista logo.

Independent hardware vendors begin to develop drivers for next-generation operating systems long before those OSes become available to general public. However, in the current case, when there are a lot of users still use different versions of Windows XP and a lot of users already utilize Vista, development and polishing off the drivers for Windows 7 will either require additional resources for IHV driver teams, or may lead to re-allocation of workforce from XP and Vista development to Windows 7 driver creation.

“The tests should be run after performing an upgrade from Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 to the beta OS. Testing on the new beta OS must be done with drivers that are intended to install on the beta OS,” the world’s largest software maker explained.

Even though development and improvement of drivers for Windows 7 operating system will cost hardware developers a lot of efforts, considering the fact that the next-generation operating system from Microsoft is due in late 2009 or early 2010, it does make sense to start all the works as soon as possible. Moreover, the experience that IHVs gain by creating and testing drivers for Windows 7 may be valuable even for further development of Windows Vista drivers since both OSes have a similar driver model.