According to information available from Microsoft, the next iteration of the Windows client and server operating system is at a maximum of three years away. The Redmond-based company revealed that it expects to deliver the next major release of Windows approximately in 2012. Of course, “approximately” is the key, as it offers the software giant a little elbow room. Microsoft has so far failed to commit to a specific timetable for the delivery of codename Windows 8, but customers looking forward to it should know that it will drop within two to three years.

In the graphics included with this article, courtesy of MSFTKitchen, the Redmond-based company seems to be clearly eyeing 2012 for the release of Windows 8. For the time being, still under a month since Windows 7 hit store shelves, it is, of course, much too early for Microsoft to start the discussion of its successor. But expect it to provide an actual delivery deadline extremely late in the development process of Windows 8, considering the Windows 7 experience.

After all, Steven Sinofsky continues to be at the lead of the Windows project, only now with much more power, from the role of President, Windows and Windows Live Division. Most likely, Microsoft will attempt to continue building and delivering Windows client and server releases at the same pace that defined the evolution from Windows Vista to Windows 7. In this context, Windows 8 should not be more than three years away.

The fact that Windows 8 is planned for availability in 2012 also provides a reason for customers to upgrade to Windows 7. Users that have skipped Vista altogether will most certainly not be willing to wait another three years, and should make the jump to the latest version of Windows. After all, Windows 7 is receiving nothing but accolades, and according to Microsoft, is selling like hot cakes, good early signs that the company has a Windows success on its hands.