14 DAY TRIAL // There are still consistent signs of life on the Windows XP front. Microsoft is in the final stages of cooking Windows XP Service Pack 3, and the Redmond company just doesn't seem ready to give up on the predecessor of Windows Vista. XP is scheduled to hit the end of its availability via the retail and OEM channels by the summer of this year, but there are exceptions to this rule. The Redmond company has decided to extend the availability of Windows XP for ultra-low-cost PCs for over two more years. Until the later of June 30, 2010 or one year after the availability of Windows 7, the next iteration of the Windows operating system. The availability extension applies only to the Windows XP Home Edition.
"Customers and partners have made it clear to us that Windows is the preferred operating system for ULCPC buyers, just as it is for mainstream PC users. That's why we are extending direct OEM sales of Windows XP Home for ULCPCs so that they can preinstall Windows on these devices through the later of June 30, 2010 or one year after the general availability of the next version of the Windows operating system. While Windows Vista provides many benefits, including an easier and more secure user experience, Windows XP Home provides an effective solution on these devices from a performance and cost perspective," stated Michael Dix, General Manager of Windows Client Product Management.
According to Microsoft, well in 2010, Windows XP SP3 will not only still survive, but will also be available alongside Windows Vista and Windows 7. However, the company stresses that the initiative is only aimed at supporting ULCPCs and its OEM partners, which otherwise would have to go with the Linux open source operating system, because Vista is not an option due to the system requirements.
"There is no plan to extend sales of other editions of Windows XP beyond June 30, 2008. We are very proud of the progress that we have made with Windows Vista over the last sixteen months. Since its launch, Windows Vista has become the fastest-selling operating system in Microsoft history, and more than 100 million Windows Vista licenses have been sold worldwide," Dix added. "Given this landscape and after consulting with our partners, apart from today's announced extension of Windows XP Home for ULCPCs, we are maintaining the timelines we announced in September."