Fergie's Tech Blog

Vista Won't End Windows XP Availability

Joe Wilcox writes on Microsoft Watch:

I can't count how many times people have asked me if Windows XP would be available on new PCs following Vista's release.

In the near term, the answer is as much a factor of user demand and OEM and system builder policies. That said, Microsoft will make Windows XP available for from 12 to 24 months after Vista's general availability, depending on the sales channel.

According to Microsoft's Life-Cycle Policy Web site, Windows XP Home, Professional, Tablet PC, Media Center and 64-bit editions will be available in direct OEM and retail licenses for 12 months following the beginning of Windows Vista's general availability, which is scheduled to be Jan. 30, 2007. System builder licenses will be available for another 12--or total 24--months from Vista's general availability, it said.

posted by Fergie @ 12/22/2006 10:37:00 AM