Vista Won't End Windows XP Availability
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I can't count how many times people have asked me if Windows XP would be available on new PCs following Vista's release. |
In the near term, the answer is as much a factor of user demand and OEM and system builder policies. That said, Microsoft will make Windows XP available for from 12 to 24 months after Vista's general availability, depending on the sales channel.
According to Microsoft's Life-Cycle Policy Web site, Windows XP Home, Professional, Tablet PC, Media Center and 64-bit editions will be available in direct OEM and retail licenses for 12 months following the beginning of Windows Vista's general availability, which is scheduled to be Jan. 30, 2007. System builder licenses will be available for another 12--or total 24--months from Vista's general availability, it said.
License availability doesn't necessarily mean operating system availability. I presume Microsoft will get Windows XP off retail shelves as quickly as possible after Vista ships. OEMs are another matter. While I generally like Windows Vista, I agree with some users of the "gold" code who say the operating system feels unfinished, like a work in progress. Some customers choosing to wait may ask OEMs or system builders for Windows XP.
Kevin Bailey, an IT manager from Bowling Green, Ky., said, after experiencing technical support problems following a Windows Vista upgrade, "Microsoft isn't ready for the general release."
As businesses grapple with Windows Vista testing and deployment, and consumers with the hefty price increases (Vista ultimate's suggested retail price is $399, or $259 as an upgrade), Windows XP may yet have some sales longevity left.
Some advice to Microsoft, for the benefit of partners: Why not let OEMs and some system builders provide Vista DVDs without product IDs to consumers and small businesses that purchase Windows XP PCs after January 30? The DVDs would create opportunity for a later upsell opportunity for you and your partners--not just Vista but components like extra memory, too. The whole point of the new Vista DVDs is to make easier in-place upgrades, such as Windows Vista Home Premium to Ultimate. Why not extend that sales opportunity to post-Vista-launch Windows XP sales?
Comments (11)
Good news, though expected. What I'm wondering is how long will we be able to get Office 2003. I cringe at the thought of deploying Office 2007. So much for a "standard" user interface...
Posted by Dan | December 22, 2006 1:29 PM
Dan, the other issue would be software compatibility.
Posted by Roy Schestowitz | December 23, 2006 6:33 AM
SecurityFocus published a survey about Vista security. They collected opinions from 9 anti-virus vendors, and from 11 security companies and experts. The answers are quite surprising as they are far different, and based on different points of view. But, in the end, let me use the words of Marc Maiffret (eEye Digital Security's CTO): "if you are already an owner of a PC that has XP with SP2, there really aren't many compelling reasons to rush out and buy Vista, as it is not so much more secure that a consumer should shell out even more money for Vista. Add in a non-security perspective, and Vista is lacking in any real new features that makes it compelling to spend money on it." Redmond, we have a problem...
Posted by Ulrich | December 25, 2006 2:47 PM
Like most consumers, I will upgrade to Vista, when it comes preinstalled on my next computer. There will be no "hefty price increases", because I have no intention of buying Vista-boxed-retail.
Posted by JohnJ | December 26, 2006 11:15 AM
Roy: Do you mean software compatibility for Vista or Office? I suspect Vista compatibility is the primary reason for the delayed demise of XP. But that doesn't mean MS won't give us Office 2007 as our only option while allowing XP as the OS.
Posted by Dan | December 27, 2006 6:12 AM
So XP will be AVAILABLE for 12-24 months.
My question is: How long will Microsoft continue to SUPPORT XP existing accounts and provide XP updates for those accounts?
That, to me, is the bottom line and is more important than how long it'll be AVAILABLE off the shelf.
Kent
Posted by kent | December 28, 2006 11:16 AM
My new laptop has Vista, I hate it, won't work with either of my printers.
Can't change the email short cut from Windows mail to Yahoo.
It's all about money, they made it easier to give up on your own preferences, and play along.
I actually went back to Circuit City to have Vista replaced with XP.
They said they had been instructed to remove all XP from their shelves and didn't had a copy to use.
The jokes on them, I have extended warranty and it may fall under my tires.
I may get a mac.
Posted by Bob | May 22, 2007 7:49 PM
AND they changed the slot where my edge card goes. I have a two year contract with this edge card and can't use it with this HP.
Posted by Bob | May 22, 2007 7:52 PM
Microsoft has extended support for updates/patches of XP Home Edition through 2014, link below
http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=214
Posted by Pete4981 | July 4, 2007 7:42 PM
I have tryed vista and i carnt seem to get on with it i was and am still happy with XP it simple easy to use dosnt take up too much memory or harddrive space and it a beautiful i give xp full 5 star rating for vista well im sorry but i wished i never had seen it no im staying with xp for aslong as i can hopefully for long time very very long time 1 other thing i dont agreewith the idera of packing up xp to force users to move to vista i think we should have a choice on type of systems we like so if anyones reading this i suggest they suppot me on this
Posted by ben bilboe | October 28, 2007 7:07 PM
I like Windows VISTA.
Posted by Hassan Ali | January 16, 2008 10:19 AM