Microsoft delays consumer launch of Windows Vista

SEATTLE, Mar 22 (Reuters) Microsoft Corp. said on Tuesday it plans to delay the consumer launch of its much-anticipated Windows Vista operating system to January 2007 from its earlier target of the second half of 2006.

Microsoft plans to launch a product for corporate customers in November and then roll out Windows Vista for consumers after the holiday shopping season, Jim Allchin, co-president of Platforms&Services Division, said in a conference call.

REUTERS DH RAI0519