Windows XP will be available well into 2009

By Nick Mansell on Mon 22 December 2008

Windows XPIt's the operating system that just won't die. After being given a stay of execution in April, Windows XP is about to dodge the gallows once more. Microsoft has extended its OEM availability past the 31 January 2009 deadline it had previously set - and moved the final date for PC makers to get hold of XP licenses to 30 May 2009.

Despite XP being taken off the shelves, to be replaced by Vista, PC makers have still been able to offer XP machines under a special "downgrade" provision. This U-turn means the deadline for those downgrade licenses to be purchased has been extended by another four months.

XP has already been shown to be faster than its replacement and remains stubbornly popular - unlike Vista, which launched this year to a lukewarm reception. But, assuming this new deadline doesn’t become as elastic as the previous two, the only way to get hold of a new computer with XP after May next year will be to buy a netbook – a category that Microsoft has given special exemption to till 2010.

Not that that will give Vista a clear road. Reports are that early version of its replacement, Windows 7, could be arriving as soon as late 2009. At this rate Vista could end up the biggest flop since Windows ME (shudder).

[BBC]

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