Microsoft Corp. revealed the official name of its upcoming version of Windows operating system on Friday; the previously codenamed Windows Longhorn will now be retailed, licensed and promoted as Windows Vista.

The software maker first disclosed the name at Microsoft Global Briefing conference, which is an employee exclusive symposium held last Thursday in Atlanta, GA. Microsoft made the announcement public the very next day on Friday via a webcast.

Along with the new name, Microsoft also introduced two new taglines to go along with Windows Vista. These include: "Clear Connected Confident" and "Bringing clarity to your world." The "clear" theme in taglines portray rather well to Windows Vista, as one of the features would be transparent window frames.

According to Microsoft, the first beta of Windows Vista will ship on August 3 to developers. The finalized version of Windows Vista is expected to enter retail channels before the end of next year.