Licensing loopholes may keep Windows XP afloat

2008-04-29 18:58:58 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Technology)

San Antonio, Texas (WiredPRNews.com) — Many Windows XP users will be delighted to learn that computer makers such as Dell, HP and Lenovo (IBM) have found a loophole in the licensing terms that will cause XP to stick around past the June 30 demise date. This comes as good news for those who have felt the sting of poor usability with Windows Vista. Although, in an interesting point made by Steve Ballmer, if the demand for Windows XP is great enough by customers, XP could potentially have a longer shelf life.

According the BBC News, “Dell is using a clause in the conditions for Windows Vista which lets it provide XP under the terms of a “downgrade license” for the Business and Ultimate versions of the new operating system. This means that Dell can install Windows XP Professional for free on some machines in its Latitude, OptiPlex, and Precision machines. In the main these deals are meant for business customers…HP is also using the “downgrade” option to keep selling XP with some models until 30 July 2009.”

In effect, the sale of these PC’s are tagged as a Vista purchase, but with an open option for an upgrade. This comes days after Microsoft stocks reportedly fell 11% in its third quarter results as Windows software sales declined. “Despite this Microsoft said its sales of Vista licenses stood at 140m - a figure that was in line with its predictions.”

Windows XP Home edition has been extended until 2010 for low-powered PCs which may not function up to quality with the Vista operating system and associated power demands.

Wired Technology Reporter