The company points to a recent Dev Center document emphasizing Windows 8's optional app receipt system, which can require any transaction be validated on the developer's server.
According to the the document, titled "The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program Rev. 2.1, " Vista machines purchased from participating vendors after July 1st will be eligible for an upgrade to the new OS, whenever it comes out -- in a similar manner to the XP - Vista switchover.