The crew at WinVistaClub asked Microsoft about the recent rumors of a 2009 release date for Windows 7 and got this response. The answers are a bit vague but it does seem to squash all the 2009 rumors.
Contrary to all that is being said on the net, it clearly looks like Microsoft is NOT planning to release Windows 7 in 2009. Microsoft's official response, by an Email dated 26th January, 2008, to WinVistaClub states that Windows 7 is still in the planning stage and will take approximately 3 years to develop.
Windows 7 in 2011? : Welcome To Tech-Dump
Windows 7 in 2011? : Welcome To Tech-Dump