After 5 years of development, Windows Vista has gone gold and it will be available to the public by 30th January 2007.

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 8, 2006 ” As Windows Vista is released to manufacturing (RTM) today ” a significant milestone for Microsoft and its partners ” anticipation is building around that all-important question: How good is it really?

Microsoft says Windows Vista is its most heavily tested operating system ever, with deep investments made to ensure greater security, reliability and usability. But after all the time, expense and effort to get it right, does Windows Vista meet the quality bar? For answers to this and other questions about the quality of Windows Vista, PressPass spoke with Sven Hallauer, release manager and director of program management at Microsoft.

» Windows Vista RTM Screenshots Gallery
» Windows Vista RTM Q&A

In related news, Microsoft Office 2007 has also RTMed on 6th November 2006.

REDMOND, Wash. ” Nov. 6, 2006 ” Microsoft Corp. today announced the completion of the 2007 Microsoft® Office system code and confirmed its release to manufacturing (RTM). This gold code milestone concludes the largest Microsoft Office beta program to date, with more than 3.5 million people downloading Beta 2. The unprecedented quantity of feedback from beta testers and customers helped the Office development team effectively validate product quality and optimize performance. Microsoft Office RTM also marks a critical step toward worldwide business availability of the 2007 Office system, Windows Vista„¢ operating system and Exchange Server 2007 on Nov. 30, 2006. To underscore the significance of this new day for business, Microsoft executives will participate in events around the globe, including an event with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer in New York. General availability of the products will follow in early 2007.

» Office 2007 RTM Screenshots Gallery
» Office 2007 RTM Press Release