On the OLPC XO computer

Jul 28, 2008 12:46 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has released to manufacturing a new version of Windows XP designed to do nothing more than go well beyond the reach of its latest Windows client. This despite having spared nothing to push Windows Vista Service Pack 1 to the foreground, not even the availability of Windows XP SP3 through the retail and OEM channels. Still, the fact is that both operating systems continue to be available side by side. The only demarcation is made of the target audience and the devices capable of dealing with the platforms.

And as of the past week, a new version of Windows XP is available, tailored specifically to the XP computer from the One Laptop per Child initiative. "Microsoft internally 'RTM'ed' (Released to Manufacturing) the Windows XP version we are building for the OLPC XO computer. Windows on the XO looks like it is on track for availability in these types of national educational PC deals in September," revealed James Utzschneider, general manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft Business Solutions Group the last week.

The new XP plays well with hardware that Windows Vista can't touch and, at the same time, it is set up to make inroads in what was initially exclusively Linux territory. Microsoft did not hesitate keeping Windows XP alive on ultra low cost laptops and desktops well after the release of Windows 7, Vista's successor, as the operating system will enjoy extended support until 2014.

The RTM of XP for XP comes to meet the initial deadline delivered by Utzschneider back in May 2008 when he pointed out that the offering would go gold in August or September of this year. OLPC has also had to tweak the hardware configuration of the XO laptop, referred to as a netbook by Utzschneider, in order to accommodate XP. The final XO machine, advertised as the $100 laptop, ended up costing $200 because of the modifications introduced.

But this also means that existing users of XO laptops won't be able to enjoy the XP experience mainly because of the hardware limitations. "We still have no plans to make Windows available for individuals who bought an XO in the Give 1 Get 1 program though," Utzschneider added.

Microsoft is indeed looking for the next five billion of Windows users, but the XP and XO marriage, as damaging as it might be to Windows Vista and Linux, won't take the company to its new mark. However, the complete market of ultra low cost machines will grow to provide a consistent enough install base to keep Windows XP alive even after the release of Windows 7.