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It was in September last year that Microsoft said it would stop licensing Windows XP to computer makers, ending retail sales by June 30. Prior to that, the software maker had said it would take XP off of the market by Jan 2008. Now with June 30 fast approaching, it's becoming increasingly clear there are going to be no more fresh leases of life for the operating system.
Talking to a leading business daily, Microsoft India Windows Client Business Group Director Prasanna Meduri said Windows XP would "cease to exist" and that though there's a policy in place for specific segments, Windows XP wouldn't be available to OEMs and general retailers from June 30. System builders would get an extension of six months while new-market segments like low-cost PCs (priced below Rs 20,000) would get an extension till June 30, 2010.
Put simply, this means that if you're about to buy a new computer, you'll get Windows XP only if you happen to buy an unbranded or low-cost machine. In case you should settle for a branded machine costing anywhere above Rs 20,000, you'll have no option but to go with Windows Vista. Meanwhile, it might be interesting to note that low-cost PCs (the kind that will get Windows XP on them for long after June 30) constitute less than 5 percent of the existing market.
