The Death of XP SP2 Comes in 2010, Onward to Windows 7

July 2010 will represent a key milestone for Windows XP users, especially those that continue to run the second service pack released for the operating system. According to the Microsoft Support Lifecycle, the Redmond company will cut the lifeline for XP SP2 on July 13th, 2010. This deadline is set in stone, as far as the software giant is concerned, with the company showing no indication of reconsidering and offering a reprieve. Microsoft has offered customers notice of XP SP2 end of support, but it is also aiming to train its partners as to what to do in relation to customers.

Tomorrow, December 17th, 2009, the Redmond company will hold an Academy Live webcast for members of the Microsoft Partner Network. Microsoft plans to detail the end of support for XP SP2, as well as to offer additional information to partners as to how they can handle the situation.

“As a Microsoft Partner supporting clients with computers that may be running Windows XP, this is an Academy Live webcast you will want to attend. As you probably are aware by now, support for Windows XP SP2 ends in July, 2010. During this 1-hour Academy Live webcast on Thursday, December 17th, we will be covering this topic,” revealed Eric Ligman, Global Partner Experience Lead Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group.

Of course, as far as Microsoft is concerned, the best course of action for XP SP2 users is to migrate to Windows 7. At the same time, upgrading to XP SP3 is another solution that customers can take into consideration, as Service Pack 3 will be supported until 2014. Windows XP accounts for no less than 69.05% of the operating system market, according to Net Applications.

“In addition, we will talk about: What are the options for your customers? What are the opportunities for you? Lifecycle realities of Windows XP SP2. Programs and solutions Microsoft offers to help you inform and migrate customers to Windows 7. Be sure to join us this Thursday, December 17th, from 8:00 – 9:00 am PST. You can register now for this event HERE,” Ligman added.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 FINAL can be downloaded via this link.

Microsoft Windows 7 90-Day Eval VHD is available for download here.
Another Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.