Extended Lifespan for Windows XP

Rumor has it that Windows XP could be offered on new PCs as late as April 2011. Previously, reports stated that computer makers would only be allowed to sell PCs with Windows XP for six months after the launch of Windows 7 (Launch date: October 22, 2009).

According to a Computerworld post, a Microsoft company spokesperson stated the following in a recent email, "Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate customers will have the option to downgrade to Windows XP Professional from PCs that ship within 18 months following the general availability of Windows 7 or until the release of a Windows 7 service pack, whichever is sooner, and if a service pack is developed." Reportedly, this change of heart came just hours after Gartner analyst Michael Silver criticized Microsoft's plans for Windows XP because of the difficulty and expense it presented to their business customers.

Windows XP is currently in an extended support phase, and Microsoft is set to officially retire and discontinue all support for Windows XP in April 2014. Check out the Microsoft Product Lifecycle for more information.