In what Microsoft describes as the biggest launch in its 30-year history, Gordon Frazer, managing director of Microsoft UK, will unveil Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and Exchange Server 2007.

The event, which will be held this afternoon at the new Arsenal FC Emirates Stadium in North London, marks the first simultaneous release of Microsoft's flagship products since the joint launch of Windows 95 and Office 95 more than a decade ago.

Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system will be released to businesses on 1 December. Exchange Server 2007 will be released on 8 December 2006, with Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system available for general consumer release on the 30 January 2007.

Gordon Frazer, Microsoft UK's managing director, said that the launch represents over $20bn of research and development.

He added that, with its latest software, Microsoft “no longer focused on features for features sake”, but has instead concentrated on meeting the needs of customers. The launch has, according to Frazer, been supported by the biggest beta-testing programme in Microsoft’s history.

Current business users of the Microsoft products include Arsenal FC, Qinetiq, HP, Intel, Newham Borough Council and Capgemini.

Check out vnunet.com’s full coverage, which will be updated as the launch takes place.