Even if Windows XP was originally due to disappear from store shelves in 2008, it really looks like Microsoft understood the customers' desire. The company planned this in order to make way for Windows Vista, but the pressure from customers and computer makers have made the software giant extend its selling period until the end of June. In another sign of the market's resistance to Vista, Microsoft is giving system builders a way to obtain XP licenses through distribution well after January 2009, the deadline.

 

After this decision, distributors can continue selling XP-based systems without having to hand over cash for the new licenses until they have already sold them. Basically, Windows XP will continue to sell through nearly all of Windows Vista's active lifetime. Furthermore, this suggests that shortly after May is when we will see Windows 7 debut. Another reason for which Microsoft decided to extend XP's life is based on the fact that netbooks and other PCs packing slower are on the rise. XP can easily be loaded onto these systems through a loophole. More and more people just want smaller laptops or PCs, devices that cost them less.

 

Anyway, it's clear that, despite the fact that Vista has sold well, Microsoft granted the reprieve largely because of the customers' preference for XP. In addition, many PC makers got around the restrictions by exploiting a clause in Microsoft's licensing terms that allowed them to offer a “downgrade” licence. Therefore, customers were allowed to replace Vista with XP. It remains to be seen if Microsoft will allow XP to be sold until its next OS will appear, in late 2009. Windows 7 is said to be much better than Vista and Microsoft hopes to take back its Vista-disappointed customers.