MSDN, TechNet subscribers get Vista SP2 RC bits

Microsoft is broadening the pool of testers getting the near-final Release Candidate (RC) bits of Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Windows Server 2008 SP2.

On February 25, Microsoft began providing subscribers to its TechNet and Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) services with access to the SP2 RC bits. Interested subscribers can get the SP2 RC bits from the appropriate TechNet and MSDN download sites.

Next week, the public will get the SP2 RC bits, Microsoft officials said.

Last week, Microsoft made the Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 bits available to Connect testers.  Some company watchers were expecting Microsoft to make the RC bits more broadly available -- beyond just those with access to Connect -- last week.

Rumor is the final SP2 bits will go out in April, but Microsoft is not confirming this.