Vista Will Ship on Time

Microsoft Corp. will most likely ship its upcoming Windows Vista operating system on time and meet its deadline for both corporate and retail consumers, a Wall Street analyst said on Wednesday.

Goldman Sachs analyst Rick Sherlund sent a note to clients saying that Microsoft may be ready to send the final test version of its much-anticipated Windows upgrade later this week or next week, indicating that Vista will be available for business customers in November and retail PCs by late January.

Reuters - Microsoft likely to ship Vista on time: analyst

On Wednesday it emerged Microsoft has appealed against the €280.5m fine imposed by the European Commission in July this year because the software giant failed to comply with the landmark 2004 antitrust ruling.

A delay for Vista now would be convenient for Microsoft, according to Gartner analyst David Mitchell-Smith, because "when people start complaining about the delay, Microsoft can reasonably say ‘don’t blame us’ and point the finger at the EC".

Silicon - Doubts linger over Vista D-day

It is possible that PC vendors will find a workaround, [Gartner analyst Michael Silver] added, by issuing coupons for Vista for any computers purchased during the holiday season.

Microsoft has not confirmed such plans, but if a coupon initiative does go forward, it would allow those buying computers with Windows XP Professional and Windows Media Center on them to upgrade to Vista at no cost.

NewsFactor - Analyst: Windows Vista Will Ship on Time