Monday, 31 July 2006

Microsoft Says Vista will be Shipped When Ready

Microsoft is not yet ready to confirm the final date for the release of the much-awaited Windows Vista. In its Annual Financial Meeting on Thursday Microsoft failed to stand by its earlier announcement that Vista would be made commercially available in January 2007.

Microsoft’s Platforms & Services co-president Kevin Johnston said that there was nothing to prevent Vista from shipping in January, and at the same breath said that there are possibilities of delays as Microsoft was taking it ‘milestone by milestone. He added "We will ship Vista when it’s ready."

JupiterResearch senior analyst and Microsoft pundit Joe Wilcox said, "Microsoft may or may not make it. As I've said before, from a sales cycle perspective, January might as well be July."

Vista, the long-awaited update to Windows, is crucial to the company’s effort to revive its stock that has underperformed in major indexes since the start of 2002. Another delay would also affect its relationship with its wide range of partners.

Microsoft Vista got another blow when it malfunctioned while being exhibited in front of the analysts. During the presentation the Windows Vista voice capability failed to demonstrate its ability to recognise the voice of the presenter. The presenter instructed the computer to type 'dear mom' but instead it typed ‘dear aunt.’ The presenter said that an echo in the room was disturbing the presentation.