Friday, 3 November 2006

Microsoft Vista for Biz, Office 2007 to Release on Nov 30

Microsoft is all set to release the business version of the long-anticipated update to its operating system on November 30. In addition to Windows Vista, the company said it also would release the Office 2007 software suite, which is said to include word processing and spreadsheet programs, and Exchange Server 2007 for e-mail and calendars. The simultaneous release of Office and Windows marks the first time in a decade that the two products would debut at the same time. The last time this occurred was Windows 95 and Office 95, and the Vista launch has been billed by Microsoft as a similar leap forward in technology.

Microsoft plans to make Vista and Office available to consumers in January, though the company has said it would not hesitate to delay the system again if any major problems crop up.

Retail pricing for Vista ranges from USD 200-USD 400, with upgrade discounts of USD 100 to USD 140 for those who have valid copies of previous operating system software. Office 2007 is priced between USD 149 for the student edition to USD 679 for an 'ultimate' package.