Microsoft, the world’s leading producer of software, has confirmed reports that it will release its much-anticipated Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) browser via an optional download sometime during October, The Register reports.The IE7 automatic update is expected a few weeks after the release of the optional download, likely within Microsoft’s typical monthly patch cycle for November or December, according to The Register. At that time, companies that aren’t prepared for the update, or don’t want to upgrade for whatever reason, will have the option of ignoring it, The Register reports.Microsoft is currently asking developers and other users to vet the existing pre-release version of the browser, dubbed IE7 Release Candidate 1 (RC1), which was made available in August.The Redmond, Wash.-based firm has collected a number of resources to aid the testing process, and they’ll be available on an IE blog located here. In related news, Microsoft recently released what it claims is the final test version of its next-generation Windows Vista operating system, and a Goldman Sachs analyst last week said the software giant would likely meet its slated Vista release dates of November for manufacturers and businesses, and January for consumers. Vista has already been delayed on multiple occasions.Related Links: Microsoft Releases Near-Complete IE7 Browser Microsoft Windows Vista RC2 Released Microsoft Windows Vista May Ship on Schedule Rivals: Microsoft Locking Others Out of Vista SecurityThis article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content opinion The Importance of Identity Management in Security By Charles Pelton Nov 28, 2023 5 mins Cybercrime Artificial Intelligence Data Management brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software Why data virtualization is critical for business success Data is your most valuable resource—but only if you can access it fast enough to address present challenges. Data virtualization is the key. By Milan Shetti, CEO of Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software The hybrid approach: Get the best of both mainframe and cloud Cloud computing and modernization often go hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean the mainframe should be left behind. A hybrid approach offers the most value, enabling businesses to get the best of both worlds. By Milan Shetti, CEO Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rimini Street Dear Oracle Cloud…I need my own space Access results from a recent Rimini Street survey about why enterprises are rethinking their Oracle relationship and cloud strategy. By Tanya O'Hara Nov 28, 2023 5 mins Cloud Computing Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe