Microsoft Extends Support
As anyone that’s kept in touch with Microsoft in the news at all, you’re probably familiar with the recent articles stating that support for XP Home and the other XP operating systems would be cut off from technical support the end of 2006.
The news on the radar screen now is that support will be available on those operating systems for two-years following the release of their successor, Microsoft Windows Vista. Since that release timeframe is scheduled for November of this year, that should give support into 2008.
I think this is a very good move for Microsoft for obvious reasons. However, I’m not sure how much I’d be impacted anyway. I’m not sure if I’ve ever called Microsoft for any help related to their OS. Security updates would still be included, during that time, and I’m usually one of the early adopters of a new OS anyway. Can’t imagine waiting more than two years after one is released before getting it.
Microsoft provides support on the current service pack, and in some cases the immediately preceding service pack, for the products listed below. See the Lifecycle Support Policy FAQ for details on the Service Pack Support Policy. As a convenience to you, Microsoft is providing a list of the currently supported service packs: Supported Service Pack List. If you have any questions regarding support for a product, please contact your Microsoft representative. If you need technical support, visit the Contact Microsoft Web site.
I wonder though if some of these changes are going to more greatly impact Microsoft’s desire to provide more online security, anti-virus and update support for their products. What if you could purchase online assistance through their OneCare or other similar service for your operating system after the two-year extended support. Would you pay more per month to have that capability?
Even with the extended service option, the support cycle mirrors what’s available in other industries. If I buy a new car, when does the manufacturer stop supporting that car? 5 years? 500,000 miles? etc.? After that time, I can still get support for the car, just not directly from the manufacturer without paying for it. Looks pretty similar to me.
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POSTED IN: Home User, Security, Speculation
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