OK, so the press releases went out yesterday about the RTM of Windows Server 2008 and Vista SP1. According to the schedule I saw I should be able to start downloading it from MSDN subscriber downloads. If you don't have an MSDN subscription then you have to wait until later (up to 6 weeks) to get the service pack. How long depends on whether you are a volume license customer, download it from Microsoft, or wait for it to show up as an update from Windows Update. Of course retail availability will take a while as it still takes time to print boxes and press DVDs. Here is the schedule that I have seen

I expected a big outcry over the delay between the RTM and when it will be an automatic download. I haven't been seeing that in the press releases. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand I would like to see everyone have the latest patches as soon as they are available. On the other hand I can see large organizations wanting to have time to test the changes and make sure they are right for them. I remember the special tool to block IE from automatic downloads for people who didn't want it. I guess this is the best of both worlds in that it gives you the option to download it as soon as you can while also giving large organizations the ability to test.

Also, another more technical and better reason for the delay in Vista SP1 is that some drivers that were not developed following Microsoft's guidelines might cause issues. I haven't seen what those issues are and by all accounts they don't stop the installation but by having the download available for the more technical type audiences with an IT department first it might pressure the writers of those drivers to update the drivers and get them out to the general public before they start seeing whatever issues there might be.