Windows XP Status Remains in Flux Despite Ballmer's Comments

Microsoft CEO Says Aging Operating System Could Stick Around Past Cut-Off Date if Consumer Demand Warrants, Company Quickly Clarifies No Plans Have Changed

For months, Microsoft has been warning new and existing customers and OEMs that the cut-off for availability of Windows XP is June 30. Despite a limited online push for the OS to continue to be sold, as well as a glimmer of hope from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, the company reaffirmed that date this morning.

At a press conference earlier this week, Ballmer told reporters "[i]f customer feedback varies, we can always wake up smarter, but right now, we have a plan for end-of-life for new XP shipments."

On-lookers jumped on the comments as a stay of execution for XP, and Dell announced plans to continue to sell XP on many PCs as an official "downgrade" option past the June 30 cut-off. The XP licensing option, which Dell will reportedly offer through 2010, is technically sold under a Vista license, and includes a DVD with Vista so a user can upgrade at any time.

Windows XP will also continue to be sold in "ultralow-cost PCs," Ballmer said. The rapidly growing category of notebooks and other portables covers devices with slower processors and lower available resources than needed to effectively run Windows Vista.

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Comments

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