The beta version of the Windows 7 is already downloadable and Microsoft is rumored to be planning a release of the final version of the operating system as soon as this summer. 

 

According to reports from several media sources, Hewlett Packard reached a deal with Microsoft which allows the computer maker to offer XP as a downgrade option. The deal may not be exclusively for HP, as a company spokesperson said. According to Microsoft, the downgrade policy will apply to all main OEM partners.

 

"Downgrade rights policies are the same for all of our main OEM partners and what you are talking about is not a special arrangement. Since the End User right to Windows XP Professional is part of the license terms for these editions, it’s really about making facilitation options easier for our OEM customers and End Users," Mary Jo Foley, who writes on All About Microsoft Blog and questioned the software giant on this issue, wrote.

 

Currently, Microsoft and its OEM partners are only offering downgrade options to Windows Vista Business and for the Ultimate version. 

 

Although it’s a good thing Microsoft wants to be more flexible, it’s a bit strange that were are already talking about downgrading despite the fact that the Windows 7 hasn’t even seen the daylight. 

 

Microsoft hasn’t provided any details yet on how the downgrade rights will work with it new operating system. However, most likely, the rights of downgrade will be attached to the Business and Ultimate versions of the OS.