Microsoft has dismissed reports that its much-heralded new Windows Vista platform for small businesses and consumers would be further delayed. "We've been working closely with our OEM (original equipment manufacturing) hardware partners," Timothy Chen, chief executive officer of Microsoft's Greater China region, told reporters Monday.

"As of now, the release schedule of Vista is unchanged. In a word, Vista for small businesees and consumers will be released late in the fourth quarter and late January," he said.

Microsoft earlier this year delayed the release of Vista until January, missing the key year-end period for computer sales.