The alpha version of the Windows Logo Testing Kit is slated for a release later today. Some of the requirements and policies of the program have already been posted here including a very interesting technical requirement that could mean the final breakthrough of 64-bit software on the Windows operating system.
One of the technical requirement for an application to qualify for the Windows 7 Logo Program is support for the 64-bit version of Windows. While this does not mean that all, or even the majority, of applications will run on 64-bit editions of Windows 7 it does at least mean that every software with the Windows 7 logo will run on both 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows 7. It will also most likely mean that the 64-bit edition of Windows 7 will see better software support than 64-bit editions of Windows XP or Windows Vista.
The other requirements are the following:
Policies
- Comply with Anti-Spyware Coalition Guidelines
- Do not modify Windows Resource Protections (WRP) protected resources
- Ensure ongoing quality
Technical Requirements
- Clean, reversable installation
- Install to the correct folders by default
- Digitally sign files and drivers
- Support x64 version of Windows
- Do not block installation or application launch based on OS version check
- Follow User Account Control (UAC) Guidelines
- Adhere to Restart Manager Messages
- Do not load Services and Drivers in Safe Mode
- Support Multiuser Sessions
