Microsoft releases updated Vista test version

Microsoft on Wednesday said it was releasing an updated Community Technology Preview version of Windows Vista.

The February CTP is aimed at businesses, Microsoft said. The company is trying to rebut the notion that Vista is primarily a consumer release, a perception that was fueled by Bill Gates's demonstration of the upcoming operating system at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

"Windows Vista is as much, if not more, a business release," said Brad Goldberg, general manager for Windows Client product management.

Goldberg said Vista will bring fewer reboots and easier managability, which should help businesses reduce the cost of handling their stable of PCs.

Microsoft stuck to its existing timetable for Vista, promising a consumer-oriented test version will come next quarter and a final release will arrive in the second half of the year.

"The exact date will be determined by quality," Goldberg said.