Microsoft: Windows 8 shipping at the end of October

Microsoft has finally set a date — actually a couple of dates — for delivery of Microsoft Windows 8 to customers. The eagerly anticipated operating system overhaul is set to “RTM” (Release to Manufacturing) the first week in August and then ship at the end of October.

These dates are not particularly surprising, since the Redmond software giant typically delivers operating system updates in October. Still, there was always the worry, especially among Microsoft partners that are anxious to bundle the latest OS in their new computers and tablets that the Metro-design-sporting update could ship too late for inclusion in holiday-buying-season systems. Microsoft revealed its schedule during its annual Windows Partner conference in Toronto, Canada.

Not only will Windows 8 ship on partner devices in late October, but the company revealed that Windows 8 will, at the same time, ship in 109 countries and 231 languages.

With almost four months between now and the Windows 8 ship date, though, Microsoft is trying to ensure that people don’t stop buying Windows PCs and announced that any Windows 7 PC purchased between now and October is eligible for a $14.99 upgrade to Windows 8 Pro. This is the second upgrade deal Microsoft has announced in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Microsoft introduced a $39.99 upgrade program for Windows versions going back to Windows XP.

What’s unclear right now is if Windows 8′s new delivery timeline also includes the tablet-friendly Windows RT edition. That timing will also likely trigger availability of the Microsoft-built Surface Tablet.

Microsoft also revealed Monday that the Commerce Engine for Windows App store goes live at RTM in August, which means developers can sell and consumers can buy apps in the app store.

Now that you know the timing, are you gearing up to buy Windows 8? Perhaps you were planning on buying a back-to-school PC. Does the $14.99 upgrade deal appeal to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.