Gartner Forecasts Windows Vista Delay

Posted on May 4, 2006

Windows Vista is probably going to arrive even later than industry insiders expect. Gartner, a research firm, expects an even bigger delay than the one Microsoft recently announced. Gartner doesn't expect the new operating system until mid 2007 or later. This comes despite Microsoft saying it will meet its deadline of November, 2006.

Gartner tells CNET, "Microsoft's track record is clear. It consistently misses target dates for major operating system releases. We don't expect broad availability of Windows Vista until at least 2Q07 (second quarter of 2007), which is nine to 12 months after Beta 2."

Microsoft is standing by its delivery time. A spokesman told CNET, "We respectfully disagree with Gartner's views around timing of the final delivery of Windows Vista. We remain on track to deliver Windows Vista Beta 2 in the second quarter and to deliver the final product to volume-license customers in November 2006 and to other businesses and consumers in January 2007."

Microsoft should take its time even if they miss the deadline. The worst possible outcome would be if Microsoft rushes and releases buggy software.