Windows Vista inches forward

Microsoft released an interim test version of Windows Vista to some corporate testers on Friday, and said it will expand the program to selected tech enthusiasts soon.

The software maker, which is planning to broadly launch a “release candidate” test version by the end of September, said that it has delivered a more modest update (build 5536.16385) to businesses that are part of its Technical Adoption Program. It also has sent it to members of its TechBeta tester pool and of its MSDN developer network.

In addition, Microsoft intends to give the test version next week to about 200,000 of the 1.5 million tech enthusiasts who participate in the Vista Customer Preview Program (CPP).

The Redmond, Wash.-based company has been struggling to get the operating system update out the door. Last year, it cut features from Vista, in hopes that would allow the software to make it onto PCs by the 2006 holiday buying season. However, in March, Microsoft said it would have to delay Vista further, with plans for a mainstream launch in January.

Read more: CNET News.com