Microsoft is to extend the life of its Windows XP Home
operating system until 2010, specifically for ultra-low-cost
computers (ULCPCs).
Although there is no plan to extend the shelf life of other
editions of Windows XP beyond 30 June 2008, users who buy ULCPCs -
PCs that are smaller than laptops - will be able to purchase the
hardware from manufacturers with XP pre-installed.
"We are extending computer sales of Windows XP Home for ULCPCs
so that they can preinstall Windows on these devices through the
later of June 30, 2010 or one year after the general availability
of
the next version of the Windows operating system," said Michael
Dix, general manager of Windows client product management.
Dix said that hardware manufacturers had asked Microsoft to
extend sales of Windows XP to
give their customers more time to transition to
Windows Vista
while Microsoft worked with other software suppliers to expand
Vista's application compatibility.
Dix said the announcement would not impact on Microsoft's
technical support of XP - mainstream technical support will
continue to be available until April 2009 and extended support will
continue until April 2014.