Microsoft attempts to placate "Save XP" campaign

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 7 Feb 2008 at 16:11

Microsoft has issued an unconvincing response to the popular "Save XP" campaign, after 75,000 people signed up.

The "Save XP" petition is being run by Infoworld with the aim of making XP available indefinitely. Microsoft intends to cease selling the operating system on 30 June, but has been forced to make some conciliatory noises in the face of the protest.

"We're aware of it, but are listening first and foremost to feedback we hear from partners and customers about what makes sense based on their needs," a spokesperson told Infoworld. "That's what informed our decision to extend the availability of XP initially, and what will continue to guide us."

Unfortunately the explanation fails to address the fact that many of those signing the petition are Microsoft customers, as evidenced by their video submissions on the site explaining why they or their businesses aren't interested in making the switch to Vista from XP.

The spokesperson goes on to admit that Windows XP won't disappear from the market entirely after 30 June, because there are customers that require "a little more time" before moving to Vista.

"Therefore OEMs will continue to sell XP through 30 June 2008 and system builders will be able to sell XP through January 2009 as they cater to the small business markets," a Microsoft spokesperson tells Infoworld.

"In emerging markets where XP Starter Edition is sold, it will still be available through 30 June 2010."