Vista has suffered another blow. Just days after Microsoft offered XP as a downgrade option for Vista users, the company has announced that it will extend selling Windows XP until the end of June 2008.

Windows XP was originally set to retire in January 2008 to make way for Windows Vista. However, Microsoft decided to revise its plans in response to feedback from manufacturers who said there were customers who were demanding Windows XP on their computer systems.

Some customers have expressed displeasure about buying Vista. Their reasons were basically due to compatibility issues with their existing software programs and devices. While others were dismayed that Vista would require more investments just to meet its minimum hardware requirements.

Microsoft however, admits that unlike most of its previous operating systems, XP was given a shorter period to retire after the introduction of its successor.

Mike Nash, a Microsoft corporate vice president told Reuters that: “We were a little ambitious to think that we would need to make Windows XP available for only a year after the release of Windows Vista.”

Microsoft has forecast XP to contribute about 22% in Windows sales this year.

The company also plans to extend sales of its Windows XP Starter Edition until June 30, 2010.

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Related:

4 signs Windows XP is here to stay longer despite Vista

Memory chipmakers to lose money, Vista demand over forecasted

Vista’s release not having major impact on PC sales

How to make XP look like Vista for free

Poor sales of Windows Vista cut DSG profits by £20 million (US$41m)

Entry was posted on Friday, September 28th, 2007 at 2:29 am under Microsoft.  Print This Post

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