While the spotlight swings onto Windows 7, Microsoft is refusing to say what it will do with Vista after the new operating system is launched.

Normally Redmond lets two operating systems run alongside each other for a while and flogs both until the new one is sufficiently embedded in the hearts and minds of the world. However word on the street suggest that Microsoft may drive Vista to a deserted beach and put a bullet in the back of its head on the day Windows 7 officially launches.

Word from Redmond is that it wants to put the Vista fiasco behind it as soon as possible and will stop flogging Vista the same day that Windows 7 is launched. Richard Francis, general manager and Windows client business group lead at Microsoft Asia-Pacific, told PC World  that he was unsure if computer makers will be able to ship Vista once Windows 7 is made available.

True an enterprise customer that purchases a PC with Windows 7 pre-installed is allowed to downgrade to Vista should they desire, similar to what we have today on Vista to XP, but that is not the same thing. Microsoft will stop supporting all versions of Vista in April 2012, but if no one can buy it then that date is more academic.