Microsoft launches Vista test version Beta 2

Beta version of Vista which includes Office 2007, Microsoft's applications and Windows Server.

Microsoft has released the test versions of its much awaited operating system, Windows Vista. Announcing the "beta 2" versions of Vista, Microsoft chairman Bill gates said that Microsoft is on schedule to deliver a "triumvirate of major products."

Microsoft announed the beta versions on an event organized for the same. It included the beta versions of Vista which includes Office 2007, Microsoft's applications and Windows Server. Windows Server was earlier code-named Longhorn.

No far Microsoft had not released the test version of all these three products simultaneously. Gates said, "Today's a milestone for us in terms of the huge investments and big innovation going into the next major version of Windows and of all the big complementary products." he was speaking at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in Seattle.

The first company who will test the products is Chevron as Gates has given a copy of the products to an executive from Chevron. Analysts see the release of betas as Microsoft is keeping to its date of release of its flagship product. Vista is expected to reach large businesses in November and customers in January. Office 2007 is also thought to be available at the same time, while Windows Server will be available in the second half of 2007.

The latest operating system that Microsoft offers is XP, which was launched in 2001. Vista is said to be a lot more secure and the addition of some special gadgets, are thought to bring a freshness to the operating system.

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