Despite skepticism from some quarters that Microsoft may delay the launch of Windows Vista, an analyst says the software giant is on track to meet the January deadline.
According to a report by news agency Associated Press last week, Goldman Sachs analyst Rick Sherlund said in a note to its clients that Microsoft's release of a second test version of Vista implies the upcoming operating system (OS) could be released to manufacturing (RTM) in November, in time for a late-January retail launch.
Sherlund wrote: "Also, we believe Microsoft will soon begin its program of free upgrade coupons for Vista and possibly for Office 2007."
Two days after Sherlund's note was released, Microsoft announced the availability of Windows Vista Release Candidate 2 to developers, testers and consumer enthusiasts. The software vendor hopes the latest test release of its long-awaited Windows Vista will be the last, though Microsoft did indicate that quality processes could still delay shipment dates.
In any case, sources told ZDNet Asia that consumers in Singapore may be able to lay their hands on Windows Vista in March next year when the OS is said to make its debut at IT Show 2007--a local consumer technology fair.
It is not known if Microsoft will launch Windows Vista in Singapore prior to IT Show 2007, but a spokesperson from the company's local office maintained that "we are targeting Windows Vista availability for volume license customers in November 2006 and general availability in January 2007."
However, Gartner said in a September 2006 research note that the delay of Windows Vista's European debut--to comply with European Commission (EC) antitrust regulations--could persuade Microsoft to hold back broad availability of Windows Vista in all markets.
Microsoft had said on Sep. 7 that it may delay Vista's launch in Europe, but clarified later on Sep. 14 that its European launch was back on track. However, it asked the EU for more details on antitrust concerns pertaining to Vista.
Gartner believes that by publicizing issues with the EC and specifying security features as the root of the conflict, Microsoft may be preparing to rally consumer opinion while blaming the EC for Vista's debut slip.
"It may decide to ship Windows Vista to volume-licensing customers so companies can start testing and planning processes, and delay only consumer and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) availability--though volume-licensed copies could be affected by any EC requirements," Gartner said, adding that it believes Microsoft would not ship a single product worldwide if it meant disabling security features to satisfy the EC.
The analyst company also noted that Microsoft could decide "a single code base for everyone would better serve the market and allow business customers to deploy a single image, usable in most of the world".
"Additionally, Microsoft may want to appease retailers and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) that would rather promote Windows Vista in March or April 2007 anyway to avoid conflict with the 2006 holiday season," Gartner added. "These factors create an air of reasonable doubt that may serve to prepare the market for the potential eventuality of a slip."
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heard that in Win Vista, MS is forcing users to register within 30daysotherwise shutting down the system. If installed and not registered then it perform with reduced functions for 30 days.
Seems a good way to force MS users to go Linux way. I am all for it, anyway Linux don't crash as much as Windows, faster and less resource intensive.
Way to go Microsoft. Linux here we come.
Posted by anonymous on Tuesday, October 10 2006 08:30 PM