Microsoft Backtracks on XP end date

Microsoft decided this week that computer companies would only be allowed to sell PCs with Windows XP on for 6 months after the release of their new operating system, Windows 7.

This was an unprecedented move by the software giant who has never previously forced companies to stop selling a certain system. Usually, they simply end support a great deal of time after the next operating system comes out.

Well, it was an unprecedented move, until Microsoft decided to scrap the idea only hours later after research analyst Michael Silver ripped into the idea stating that it was a terrible solution and would severely hinder the ability of companies to upgrade to Windows 7.

We can’t imagine why on earth Microsoft decided this was a good idea in the first place. Although we understand the company wants to sell Windows 7 and quietly push Vista under the rug, we’re not sure that limiting consumer choice on what type of system you can buy is really going to make the company look good.

Luckily Silvers comments – backed by overwhelming negative reaction from consumers – lead to Microsoft to deliver this statement only a few hours later: “Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate customers will have the option to downgrade to Windows XP Professional from PCs that ship within 18 months following the general availability of Windows 7 or until the release of a Windows 7 service pack, whichever is sooner, and if a service pack is developed”

Posted on June 19, 2009 | Filed Under Tech