Microsoft Extends Windows XP Life By Another Six Months

Microsoft virtually extended the life of the most widely used operating system in the world – Windows XP. The company gave another six months for PC manufacturers and distributors to avail of their “downgrade rights” to change OS from Vista to XP.

According to The Register, Microsoft moved the time frame for downgrade rights from Jan 31, 2009 to July 31, 2009. The decision was solely based on the fact that many still choose XP over Vista.

Moreover, Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that “Downgrade rights do not expire.” Microsoft believes however that this downgrade rights will not be availed of as the number of Vista followers increases.

Microsoft also stated that the same caveat with providing the downgrade media as before applies, which is OEMs and system builders don’t have to do so if they don’t want “it’s their business decision to make.

Nothing has changed with the extension of the Windows XP’s life. Microsoft furthered that it wants to provide the buyers and manufacturers the option to choose XP Professional over Windows Vista Ultimate and Business editions which comes in bundled with some of the latest computer and laptop models.

The downgrade right is a part of Microsoft’s End User’s License Agreement or EULA. Microsoft originally extended the downgrade time last April. According to Microsoft, OEMs can provide downgrade options from Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows XP until January next year.

Source: CRN