Businesses get to try out new version of Windows

Microsoft released a second test version of its Windows Vista to businesses that volunteered to try the new program.

The company made available a Community Technology Preview of the software, which is scheduled to go on sale later this year, said Brad Goldberg, general manager of Windows Client product management.

The release date of the final version "will be determined by quality," Goldberg said in a conference call Wednesday with reporters.

The new version of Windows, Microsoft's biggest and most profitable business, is two years late, slowing sales growth as customers wait to buy new software.

The company is boosting security and adding features around photography and search to spur upgrades.

More high-priced versions will be offered to boost sales, Microsoft said in July.