3 replies to this topic

[x2p]

Microsoft's New Word: Accountability
By Jay Greene
November 18, 2005

Redmond has set a target date for shipping its upcoming Vista operating system -- the latest entry in a growing list of firm goals it is pledging to meet. When it comes to closely guarded secrets at Microsoft (MSFT), the crown jewel is the shipping date for the next version of its flagship product, called Windows Vista.

Execs at the software giant hate setting expectations, lest they slip. So the company has been mum on the date, saying only that Vista will launch some time in the second half of 2006. Analysts have taken that to mean a shipment date some time near Christmas. It turns out, the company plans to ship much sooner.

According to an internal blog by Chris Jones, one of Microsoft's top Windows execs, the shipping target is Aug. 31. To be clear, that's not the day Vista will land on store shelves or be available on computers. Rather, that's the target to have software code complete and sent off to computer manufacturers. That way, they can test the software and start to build PCs in time for the holiday season.

LONGEST GAP. News of Jones's commitment may lead some analysts to alter financial projections for Microsoft. Many analysts haven't accounted for any Vista sales next year because they aren't sure when the operating system would debut. If Microsoft keeps Jones's schedule, Vista could be available in October.

[Neon]

To be fair, looking at 5259...they can take as much time as they want, we all demand them to hurry and stuff, but look how much better stuff is looking.

People complain it looks too much like XP...were they asleep when 95/98/ME/2k and even later all had the classic look...

Vista is starting to take shape!

[m.oreilly]

i agree, i would hope for a more stable and robust os, rather then
service packs right after release...

[RedInferno]

WHy do I get the feeling that is gonna be the case then?