Microsoft this week announced the fact that it has reached the RTM (release to manufacturing) milestone in the development of Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2). The same milestone has been reached with Windows Server 2008 – Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 RTM. This is no doubt good news for Vista users as it means they will have access to SP2 soon. I say soon because Microsoft, despite having announced Vista SP2 RTM, has not made the software available for download, not has it announced a public release date for the service pack (a vague Q2 2009 release scenario was mentioned though).

Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, Brandon LeBlanc comments: “We are announcing the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. SP2 represents the latest step in Microsoft’s commitment to continuous improvement. It includes all updates that have been delivered since SP1, as well as support for new types of hardware and emerging hardware standards. We expect Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 SP2 to be publicly available in Q2 2009.”

Why should you upgrade to Vista SP2? Here are some of the key benefits of using Vista SP2:
- You will get faster and more relevant searches thanks to Windows Search 4.0.
- Support for the most recent Bluetooth technology via Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack.
- Seamlessly connect to WiFi networks thanks to Windows Connect Now (WCN).
- exFAT file system with UTC timestamp support for correct file synchronization across various time zones.
- Vista SP2 comes with a single installer for Vista and Server 2008, meaning it will be easy to manage, deploy, and support (from an IT pro point of view).
Additional details on what changes Vista SP2 brings to the table are availabe here .

It must be said that with the Vista SP2 RTM milestone Microsoft is removing the Windows Vista SP1 Service Pack Blocker Tool and instead is offering Vista SP1 via Windows Update.

UPDATE: Vista SP2 RTM has been leaked to torrent sites.