An Update on the Windows Roadmap
You will likely have heard in the press that the Windows XP ‘end of sales’ date was confirmed as 30th June 2008. We know that a lot of businesses still rely on Windows XP, so wanted to provide some clarification about what this means.
What will happen to Windows XP after 30 June?
Microsoft will stop distributing Windows XP as a stand-alone product that you can buy shrink-wrapped in the store and also to major PC manufacturers to sell on their PCs. That said, Windows XP isn’t going to disappear overnight. You may still see copies of the software - or computers pre-loaded with it - for months, as stores and PC makers work through their inventory. Also, smaller local PC makers - known in the industry as ’system builders’ - can continue to sell PCs with Windows XP until January 2009.
What will happen after 30 June if I have technical problems?
Although Windows XP will disappear from stores, we’ll continue to offer Extended Support for the operating system for six more years, until April 2014. Your PC maker can also provide technical support for your PC. For more details, see the Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
I have heard about two types of Windows XP support - ‘mainstream’ and ‘extended’. What is the difference?
Mainstream support delivers complimentary as well as paid support, free security updates and bug fixes to all Windows customers who purchase a retail copy of Windows XP (i.e. a shrink-wrapped, not pre-installed, copy). Mainstream support for Windows XP will continue until April 2009.
Extended support delivers free security updates to all Windows customers. Customers can also pay for support on a per-incident basis. Extended support for Windows XP will continue until April 2014. New bug fixes require the Extended Hotfix Support programme.
Hope that helps!
Kind Regards
Marc Liron - Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com
Tags: marc liron, windows roadmap, Windows XP