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As I mentioned in the morning reboot, today is the [official launch day of Windows Vista][1], There was a launch party in New York and other events worldwide. At last count a Google News search revealed 524 articles on the subject. So that means I can head down to Best Buy and pick up a copy right? Actually, uh, no.
To sort out what might be the most confusing release of software ever, here's the rundown.
Today *business* users may purchase Windows Vista, Exchange Server 2007 and Office 2007 through Microsoft's volume licensing program. But purchase does not equate with use in all cases. Exchange Server 2007 will not be available for even business customers until the end of next month. Vista and Office are available for business customers today.
*Retail* customers, that would be you and I, will have to wait until January for the *retail* versions to hit the shelves. There will be no less than four *retail* versions of Vista -- Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate -- ranging in price from $199 - $299. For more details have a [look at the breakdown of version differences][2] on Microsoft's website (note that there's also an Enterprise version for large businesses and Starter version for sale in developing nations).
I haven't been able to find details on what versions are available today through the business volume licensing program, but it seems reasonable to assume that Business, Ultimate and Enterprise would be the primary targets for the business market. If you know more details leave them in the comments below.
To add to the confusion of today's Vista release/not release, many retail outlets actually resell the business software, so if you're planning to make your purchase via the volume licensing program, you *can* theoretically head down to a participating retailer and walk out with the software.
And just in case you're still reading, to further complicate matters many retailers are offering free or discount coupons for consumer versions of Windows Vista (to be released in January remember) with the purchase of a new computer today. So in a sense you can buy Vista today, you just won't actually get it until January.
* November 30: Business users get Vista, Office 2007
* End of December: Business users get Exchange Server 2007
* January 30: Retail versions of Vista and Office 2007
Everything clear now?
Oh and If you're wondering what new features Window's Vista offers, I stumbled across a thorough and [detailed Q and A][3] on the Dutch site Techworld, which should answer most people's questions.
[1]: http://msnewday.com/ "Window's Vista Launch Site"
[2]: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/editions/default.mspx "Vista Versions"
[3]: http://www.techworld.nl/idgns/1651/windows-vista-faq.html "Vista FAQ"
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