Is Windows 7 RC stable enough for limited production deployment?

Solution 1:

We're running it on some "test/dev" machines, mainly because nobody uses Vista for performance reasons and we were getting more and more bugs that were Vista only.

So yes its stable enough, but I'd double up on the backup routine "just in case". Although if you're developing inside a VM, using external source-control, then I really don't think you've got anything to worry about.

Update: See what the Microsoft Win7 team have to say...

...we know many people (including tens of thousands at Microsoft) are relying on the pre-release builds of Windows 7 for mission critical and daily work...

I guess if it's good enough for tens of thousands of people at Microsoft, it's good enough for you :)

Solution 2:

There may not be an authorized path from RC1 to the final release. If you're willing to deal with that eventual disruption, or willing to follow the inevitable unauthorized path someone works out, then that may not be an issue.

Solution 3:

I have been using windows 7 build 7000 on my dell xps m1530 since it first came out and i have had less problems than vista. The performance is much better and overall i think its a better interface.

If you can deal with the changeover in a year i say why not.