Windows 7 Application Certification - simplification of process

Displaying the Windows brand on your product represents a relationship and a shared commitment to quality between Microsoft and your company. In addition, customers trust that seeing the Windows brand on your product ensures that it has been verified to work well on Windows.

The InnovateOn portal now includes details of the the Windows 7 quality program which focuses on ensuring that devices, systems, and applications are compatible, reliable and can perform to meet Windows standards.

In addition, the process for gaining certification has been changed. Download the Windows 7 logo program requirements, but you definitely should read the Windows Application Quality Cookbook at :

https://code.msdn.microsoft.com/Windows7AppQuality/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=1734

In particular, note the following from the section on Client Application Certification:

We also improved the process for gaining certification. Microsoft will not require developers to have their applications tested for certification by authorized testing authorities. Instead, Microsoft is developing a test kit you can use to ensure your application meets the certification requirements. We have significantly reduced the number of requirements. Similar to the hardware program, we have created some policies; while not linked to specific test cases, we will enforce these policies. Partners must meet all requirements and observe all policies to gain Windows 7 certification.

I've worked with a lot of ISVs on certification for previous versions of windows so I think this is a very significant and welcome development.