After long waits, bets and confusing statements, Microsoft has finally announced the official launch date for the long-awaited Windows Vista, the successor of the old Windows XP.

Consumers hoping to receive the new OS as a Christmas gift will be disappointed to find out that Vista will be available starting January 2007, not the end of 2006, as it was initially announced.

As Microsoft says in a press release, Vista will be available in November 2006, but only for businesses, this measure being aimed at giving them time to implement the new operating system.

"Product quality and a great out-of-box experience have been two of our key drivers for Windows Vista, and we are on track to deliver on both," said Jim Allchin, co-president for the Platforms & Services Division at Microsoft.

"But the industry requires greater lead time to deliver Windows Vista on new PCs during holiday. We must optimize for the industry, so we've decided to separate business and consumer availability," he added.

The companies were pleased with Microsoft's decision to delay the availability for the consumer segment, and said that they will offer consumers numerous offers and services after the New Year.

"A January launch of Windows Vista allows us to execute in a consistent way throughout the holidays, and will provide the right opportunity for a large, exciting launch industrywide after the New Year," said Todd Bradley, executive vice president of the Personal Systems Group at Hewlett Packard.

"We agree with Microsoft that it's best to do this right, and in this case it's delivering Windows Vista-based PCs with confidence in January 2007," stated Ron Boire, executive vice president and general merchandising manager at Best Buy.

Six Vista versions were announced at the end of February, the lineup consisting of Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows Vista Starter.