Microsoft to release Windows Vista for Business on November 30

Windows Vista -- the oft-delayed operating system upgrade from the world's largest software company -- will make it's official debut in the business arena on November 30th. That is the date Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has chosen to release the Windows Vista Business edition of the operating system, according to reports today.

At an event at the NASDAQ stock market on November 30th, Microsoft will officially release the long-awaited first version of the Windows Vista software alongside the Office 2007 productivity suite as well. Both items -- operating systems and office productivity software -- are Microsoft's largest cash cows by far, as the hardware divisions like the xbox 360 have been a huge drag on Microsoft's finances in recent year (but getting better) as the company sprints towards profitability on those platforms to cushion any blow against poor sales of its software products.

However, Microsoft's latest quarter did not show any signs of software slowdown weakness, as the company posted $10.81 billion in revenue and $3.48 billion in net income. Microsoft, though, has to continue to make its operating system and productivity software where customers will continue to buy it, as there are several free versions of competitive software applications which are not mainstream or easily distributable to the masses, but still could pinch Microsoft's fortunes a little. Ok, more than a little -- possibly.

[Disclosure: I own MSFT shares as of 11-2-06]