It's official, if you plan on migrating from Windows XP to Vista Ultimate expect to pony up $259. Pricing for the full retail version of Windows Vista Ultimate is $399. Unfortunately, OEM pricing wasn't announced by Microsoft today, expect the OEM prices to be a little lower.

Pricing for full retail versions of the software will be Windows Vista Ultimate, $399; Windows Vista Business, $299; Windows Vista Home Premium, $239; and Windows Vista Home Basic, $199. Upgrades from Windows XP are priced at Windows Vista Ultimate, $259; Windows Vista Business, $199; Windows Vista Home Premium, $159; and Windows Vista Home Basic, $99.

In the latest Microsoft press release, Microsoft has announced wider public participating in the Windows Vista beta testing program for Release Candidate 1 scheduled to be released this week. In addition, Microsoft says it plans to distribute RC1 DVDs to readers of a number of technology publications worldwide. They also state Vista is on track for volume license release on November 2006 and general public release on January 2007.