The Windows Vista era was a rocky one for Microsoft and Intel, longtime partners in the "Wintel" alliance. First, during Vista's development, Intel started playing both sides of the fence by working with Apple. Later, as Windows Vista was being prepared for release, Microsoft loosened an important standard for the operating system to help Intel unload some older chips -- triggering a huge behind the scenes mess that was revealed in a subsequent lawsuit.

Then, to top it off, Intel decided to skip Windows Vista in its own operations -- effectively kicking the beleaguered Microsoft operating system when it was down.

But with Windows 7, it looks like all is well between them again.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer cites Intel as one of the early corporate adopters of Windows 7 in an open email issued to the Redmond company's partners and customers this morning. Ballmer says Windows 7 provides Intel employees with "improved performance, greater application responsiveness, and a better platform for mobile workers."

Intel released a study yesterday talking in glowing terms about its experience with the new operating system.

"After 3 months of trial with over 300 users, 97% of our test users would recommend the new OS to peers and Intel IT sees the potential to save $11M over the next three years," the abstract reads. "Because of improved employee productivity, reduced costs, ease of deployment and enhanced security, Intel IT is rolling out Windows 7 to early adopters this year and enterprise deployments starting early 2010."

Ford, another Microsoft partner, is also upgrading to Windows 7, according to the Ballmer email. Bloomberg News cites Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Continental Airlines as early Windows 7 adopters, as well, noting that Intel currently has 500 of its workers using the new operating system.

The companies appeared with Ballmer at an event in San Francisco today to talk about Microsoft's upcoming and recently released PC and server software technologies.

Windows 7 is scheduled for public release Oct. 22.