Microsoft Plans NYC Vista Launch On Jan. 29

Microsoft will host the consumer launch of Windows Vista and Office 2007 on Monday, Jan. 29, in New York City, the scene of the company's November rollout of the new software to enterprises.

Sporting the catchphrase "The 'Wow' Starts Now," invitations sent to reporters late Friday spelled out a lunch reception for the media and a larger event at One Astor Plaza, a 54-floor Midtown skyscraper best known as the headquarters of Viacom, late in the afternoon of Jan. 29.

Microsoft has repeatedly pegged Tuesday, Jan. 30, as the date when the long-anticipated Vista operating system and Office 2007 suite update will be available to consumers.

The Redmond, Wash., developer used the invitation to tout Vista and Office 2007's prowess as it patted itself and others on the back. "Millions of people--Microsoft employees, developers, valued customers, bloggers, families, media, the entire industry--have come together like never before and added their own individual imprints to help make Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office system the most tested products in Microsoft history," the e-mail read.

On Nov. 30, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer debuted Vista and Office 2007 for business customers at a press conference held at the Nasdaq stock exchange in Times Square.