The gold version of Internet Explorer 8 is now but weeks away, as the RTW (release to web) deadline is set for March 2009. Following the availability of Release Candidate 1 of Internet Explorer 8 at the end of January 2009, Microsoft confirmed that it had offered the last development milestone ahead of the final version of the browser. However, the Redmond company was mute, and continues to offer no indication as to when it plans to release IE8 to web. Still, the software giant's own actions, as well as independent reports, reveal that IE8 RTW will indeed be launched in March 2009.

TechARP reveals that it has received conformation of Microsoft plans to wrap up IE8 for general availability in the coming weeks. The Redmond company is reportedly looking to the final two weeks in March 2009 for the release of IE8. At the same time, it appears that the software giant will finalize all the details associated with the launch of IE8 RTW, including the schedule and language versions by March 5, 2009.

There are additional details that make an IE8 RTW release plausible, in addition to leaked information. Microsoft will only offer unlimited installation and usage support for the pre-release versions of Internet Explorer 8 (on Windows Vista and Windows) until no later than March 31, 2009, according to the official support page for the browser. Microsoft has already pushed back this date several times, but only as it planned to unveil new development milestones of IE8, namely Beta 2 and RC. However, at this point in time, there is no additional development Build except RTW.

Moreover, in the second half of March 2009, Microsoft will host its MIX conference. The web-centric MIX09 will start on March 18, in Las Vegas and will end on March 20. The event has traditionally been focused on Internet Explorer and web-related technologies and services from Microsoft. In fact, at MIX09 in March 2009, Microsoft will release Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1. Although it's all speculation at this time, it will not come as a surprise if the software giant releases Internet Explorer 8 to web at MIX09.

Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) Release Candidate 1 (RC1) is available for download here.