The Vista Performance and Reliability Pack and Vista Compatibility and Reliability Pack leaked by testers to the Internet will become widely available to all users of the operating system in just two weeks. Both Windows Vista updates, considered a preview of the contents of the first service pack for the platform, were made available to a select group of Windows Server 2008 - formerly codenamed Longhorn - testers. Subsequently, the Vista fix packs leaked to third party download websites, and became free for all, but with associated risks. Microsoft rushed to contain the leak, and where it could, the company discontinued the download of the two updates.

In the wake of the leak, Microsoft confirmed that the compatibility, performance and reliability packs leaked to the web will be made available for all users in the coming couple of weeks. At this point in time, reports narrowed down on August 14 as the availability date for the final versions of the Vista Performance and Reliability Pack and Vista Compatibility and Reliability Pack. According to the Redmond company, both updates will be served to Vista users through Windows Update, although the company only stated that it will do so in the near future, without providing an accurate date.

In this context, the two packs underline Microsoft's strategy to shift the focus from service pack releases to the update infrastructure. Microsoft indicated no signs that it plans to abandon the practice of releasing service packs, but it has downplayed the relevance of such refreshes and is in the process of transitioning Windows Update at the center stage of the methods used to evolve the Windows operating system.

The company also refused to comment on speculations that the two updates are an integer part of Windows Vista Service Pack 1. Currently, a beta of Vista SP1 shipped to a limited pool of testers while the company promised general availability for later this year. The release date of the final Vista SP1 is yet unknown, but there is the possibility that it will slip into 2008.