Microsoft has given in to the growing pressure from computer manufacturers and customers. Computer manufacturers and retailers will be selling XP until the end of June next year - a five month extension of the original January 31 deadline.
Smaller computer sellers and Windows XP Starter Edition will also benefit from a later deadline too. The new deadlines are January 31, 2009 and June 30, 2010 respectively.
"There are some customers who need a little more time to make the switch to Windows Vista," said Mike Nash, head of Windows product management. "So we're responding to feedback we have gotten from our OEM partners that some customers will benefit by extending availability of Windows XP."
Typically, Microsoft stops selling its operating systems four years after release. The delay in getting Vista out the door, however, caused the company to rethink its selling strategies and extend deadlines for shipments.
"Although our research with customers before and since launch has reaffirmed our belief that the previous plan to offer Windows XP through Jan 2008 would address the needs of most customers, we did get clear feedback that there was a set of customers who needed a bit more time," said Nash. "Feedback from our OEM partners and from customers is that the June 30, 2008 date will address those needs. Of course, our plan was and continues to be that our system builder partners will be able to offer Windows XP until Jan. 30, 2009."
Support plans for all versions of Windows XP have remained unchanged. Microsoft will continue mainstream support until 2012 and extended support until 2017.
Are you happy that you'll be able to pick up a copy of Windows XP for another nine months from now? Would a lower price get you to switch over to Vista? Let us know over in the forums.
Smaller computer sellers and Windows XP Starter Edition will also benefit from a later deadline too. The new deadlines are January 31, 2009 and June 30, 2010 respectively.
"There are some customers who need a little more time to make the switch to Windows Vista," said Mike Nash, head of Windows product management. "So we're responding to feedback we have gotten from our OEM partners that some customers will benefit by extending availability of Windows XP."
Typically, Microsoft stops selling its operating systems four years after release. The delay in getting Vista out the door, however, caused the company to rethink its selling strategies and extend deadlines for shipments.
"Although our research with customers before and since launch has reaffirmed our belief that the previous plan to offer Windows XP through Jan 2008 would address the needs of most customers, we did get clear feedback that there was a set of customers who needed a bit more time," said Nash. "Feedback from our OEM partners and from customers is that the June 30, 2008 date will address those needs. Of course, our plan was and continues to be that our system builder partners will be able to offer Windows XP until Jan. 30, 2009."
Support plans for all versions of Windows XP have remained unchanged. Microsoft will continue mainstream support until 2012 and extended support until 2017.
Are you happy that you'll be able to pick up a copy of Windows XP for another nine months from now? Would a lower price get you to switch over to Vista? Let us know over in the forums.
RELATED ARTICLES
MSI MPG Velox 100R Chassis Review
October 14 2021 | 15:04
Want to comment? Please log in.