Microsoft, the world's largest software vendor, said on Friday that its Windows vista operating system is on track for general release in January, confirming analyst speculation that the software would not incur delays.

The company also confirmed that it would be releasing Windows Vista in Europe and Korea on schedule, following what the company called constructive dialogue with the European Commission and the Korea Fair Trade Commission.

We are excited to bring the security enhancements and innovative new features of Windows ista to our customers and partners around the world, and we are committed to adhering to local law in every region of the world, said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft.

On Monday, the firm roll out the second release candidate (RC2) of its next generation operating system, moving the software closer to its final retail version. The action prompted debate among analyst and industry observers as to whether further delay would be needed.

The Redmond Wash.-based software company confirmed on Friday that Vista should be ready for volume licensing around the world in November, with general sale beginning in January.

Microsoft Software Steve Ballmer