Microsoft has released to manufacturing (RTM) Windows Vista, the long-awaited next version of its desktop operating system. The company confirmed it will be available to business customers from 30 November, along with Office 2007 and Exchange Server 2007. Retail availability and systems with Vista pre-installed will come in January 2007.

The announcement of Vista's RTM means that all development work on the operating system has finished, and the code is merely awaiting delivery to customers. Earlier, Microsoft announced the RTM of Office 2007, with several extra features included.

Microsoft said that Windows Vista is the highest-quality version of Windows that it has ever produced, with more people testing more builds than under previous development cycles, resulting in the company getting a greater volume of feedback than ever before.

Jim Allchin, co-president of Microsoft's Platforms & Services Division said that Vista will be available in 18 languages by the January release date, and in 36 languages within 100 days of the RTM.