Update: Microsoft reached out to us via email saying that IE9 will run on either Windows 7 RTM or Service Pack 1. It seems like IE9 could come out earlier than next year, and won"t actually require SP1 to work;
I want to follow up to let you know that the TechNet FAQ has been updated to provide further clarification about requirements for Internet Explorer 9. Internet Explorer 9 will work on Windows 7 RTW and Windows 7 SP1. When you install Internet Explorer 9 on a system that has Windows 7 RTM installed, additional operating system components are included as part of the installation of Internet Explorer 9. Those “additional operating system components” will be part of Windows 7 SP1. Either way, this will be a seamless process for the user. Just wanted to make sure you had the latest.
You can view the original article below:
Last week Microsoft released a public beta of its next generation web browser, Internet Explorer 9. The browser was met with great enthusiasm and received positive early reviews for a beta product. Microsoft has also been using some new, obscure feedback gathering mechanisms -- such as Reddit -- to let ordinary users have a say in the new browser.
Ars Technica is reporting that the final edition of Internet Explorer 9 will require Windows 7 Service Pack 1 to be installed, according to the IE9 Beta FAQ;
When Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 9, will it require Windows 7 Service Pack 1?
Yes. Internet Explorer 9 will require Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1). Therefore, organizations must plan, pilot, and deploy Internet Explorer 9 as part of or after a Windows 7 SP1 deployment.
The FAQ also says that businesses should not hold back from deploying for it, and reassures that IE9 will integrate with Windows 7 flawlessly:
Should enterprises wait for Internet Explorer 9 before deploying Windows 7?
No. Microsoft recommends that organizations do not disrupt ongoing deployment projects but continue deploying Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8. Investments made in this effort will carry forward when they deploy Windows 7 SP1 and Internet Explorer 9 at a later date. With Internet Explorer 8 in place, they will be in a good position to roll-out Windows 7 SP1 and Internet Explorer 9 with minimal effort.
Microsoft continues to push that it"s not essential for businesses to wait for SP1 and IE9, but to deploy now and roll out these updates later, when they are released. Microsoft explained on The Windows Blog why users shouldn"t wait for SP1 or IE9 to upgrade.
This gives an estimate of when a final IE9 release is expected, since Windows 7 SP1 isn"t due out until some time in the first half of 2011, but no specific date has been announced. A beta of Service Pack 1 is currently available.