Ballmer to headline Windows 7 launch in New York City

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will kick off the Windows 7 launch at an event in New York City on October 22, according to an invitation Microsoft has sent to various media members and bloggers.

To date, Microsoft officials have declined to answer repeated requests as to whether Microsoft planned to hold a big-bang launch event for Windows 7 when the product becomes generally available on October 22 or a number of smaller, decentralized events in various cities.

Microsoft held its consumer launch for Windows Vista in New York City on January 30, 2007.

From an invitation sent by Microsoft public relations (which I didn't receive, but one of my colleagues did):

"We also wanted to let you know that you will be receiving an invitation to a Microsoft event in NYC on October 22nd to celebrate the availability and launch of Windows 7. With Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer speaking and exciting new hardware from our partners, we're looking forward to sharing Windows 7 with the world."

Microsoft business launch tour for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Exchange Server 2010 kicks off in the U.S. on August 29 September 28.  Microsoft plans to hold a virtual press conference for business users of these products on November 9, officials said. The theme of the business launch is the "new efficiency" and how users can, with less, do more, with these new products.