Microsoft, the world’s leading producer of software, may very well meet its scheduled release dates for the enterprise and consumer editions of its highly anticipated next-generation Windows Vista operating system (OS), the Associated Press reports via BusinessWeek Online. The news comes from Goldman Sachs analyst Rick Sherlund, according to the AP.Sherlund has given a “buy” rating to Microsoft stock because he said he thinks the second test version will be available within the coming two weeks, which indicates that the Redmond, Wash.-based firm will likely be able to avoid additional delays in the release of the OS, the AP reports. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe Microsoft has said it plans to release Vista to manufacturers and enterprises in November, and it expects to make the consumer edition available sometime in January. Sherlund also said he thinks Microsoft will soon begin to issue free Vista—and possibly Office 2007—upgrade coupons, for existing users to update their systems, according to the AP.Last spring, the software giant delayed the release of Vista to consumers, the AP reports. In related news, Amazon.com, the Web retailer, in August listed Windows Vista for sale on its site with prices between $100 and $399, and it said it would ship on Jan. 30.Related Links: Microsoft Windows Vista for Sale on Amazon.com Symantec Up in Arms Over Microsoft Vista Security Features Rivals: Microsoft Locking Others Out of Vista Security Microsoft Windows Vista, Longhorn to Get New Antipiracy FeaturesThis article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content news CIO Announces the CIO 100 UK and shares Industry Recognition Awards in flagship evening celebrations By Romy Tuin Sep 28, 2023 4 mins CIO 100 IDG Events Events feature 12 ‘best practices’ IT should avoid at all costs From telling everyone they’re your customer to establishing SLAs, to stamping out ‘shadow IT,’ these ‘industry best practices’ are sure to sink your chances of IT success. By Bob Lewis Sep 28, 2023 9 mins CIO IT Strategy Careers interview Qualcomm’s Cisco Sanchez on structuring IT for business growth The SVP and CIO takes a business model first approach to establishing an IT strategy capable of fueling Qualcomm’s ambitious growth agenda. By Dan Roberts Sep 28, 2023 13 mins IT Strategy IT Leadership feature Gen AI success starts with an effective pilot strategy To harness the promise of generative AI, IT leaders must develop processes for identifying use cases, educate employees, and get the tech (safely) into their hands. By Bob Violino Sep 27, 2023 10 mins Generative AI Innovation Emerging Technology Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe