Microsoft is extending availability of Windows XP editions among OEM and retail channels for an additional five months to June 30, 2008. In addition, the company will continue to offer Windows XP Starter Edition in emerging markets until June 30, 2010.
"Our official policy as of 2002 is that versions of Windows are available through our retail and direct OEM partners for four years after they ship", said Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Windows Product Management. "Obviously this policy didn't work with Windows XP given Windows Vista's delivery date."
Nash explained that "with more than 60 million licenses sold as of this summer, Windows Vista is on track to be the fastest-selling operating system in Microsoft's history " but "while we've been pleased with the positive response we've seen and heard from customers using Windows Vista, there are some customers who need a little more time to make the switch to Windows Vista."
Nash then concluded: "Although our research with customers before and since launch has reaffirmed our belief that the previous plan to offer Windows XP through Jan 2008 would address the needs of most customers, we did get clear feedback that there was a set of customers who needed a bit more time. Feedback from our OEM partners and from customers is that the June 30, 2008 date will address those needs. Of course, our plan was and continues to be that our system builder partners will be able to offer Windows XP until Jan. 30, 2009."
