Like movie hero Indiana Jones, Windows XP has once again come back from near-certain death. The venerable Microsoft operating system had been destined to become unavailable to PC makers beginning in February, but now Microsoft will extend its life until the end of May.
Microsoft’s intention has been to compel users to adopt its newer operating system, Vista, but many have preferred to stay with the tried-and-true XP.
Windows 7 on the Horizon
The new policy is not a total reprieve, however. It allows resellers to order licenses for XP before January 31, but now they can receive those licenses up until May 30.
Some PC makers have been using a downgrade clause in their licenses with Microsoft to satisfy user requests for the older OS. It lets PC makers sell computers with Vista installed, but users can downgrade the OS to XP if so desired.
Vista’s replacement, Windows 7, would presumably address the issues that have fueled users’ resistance to Vista. Recent reports indicate that Microsoft may begin its release of Windows 7 late in 2009, although there are also indications that some netbooks with Windows 7 could be available as early as mid-2009.
Laura DiDio of Information Technology Intelligence Corps recently conducted and released a survey of more than 700 corporations on various technology and business topics. The report found resistance to deploying Vista, continuing acceptance of XP, and a willingness to wait for Windows 7.
Only 10 percent of the respondents, including small, medium and large businesses, said they have deployed Vista as their main desktop OS. For 88 percent, XP remains the primary desktop OS.
Forty-six percent said they were going to skip Vista and go directly to Windows 7, because of cost and because of the feeling that XP still met their needs.
Positive Reactions to Vista
But, for the 10 percent of…