Microsoft: Windows XP Product Keys Running
Out
August 13, 2007
In yet another sign of Windows XP's refusal to quietly slink away
and make way for Windows Vista, Microsoft has announced that it is
releasing another version of XP Professional because it's run out
of product keys.
On a TechNet Blog, Microsoft stated that XP Pro, service pack 2c
(SP2c) exists for no reason except to provide a way to get new
copies of the OS. SP2c doesn't include any new features or
functionality.
Microsoft said that SP2c will be released into the system builder
channel in September. "Due to the longevity of Windows XP
Professional, it has become necessary to produce more product keys
for system builders in order to support the continued availability
of Windows XP Professional," states the blog entry. Other versions
of XP, including Home, Media Center, Pro in the 64-bit
configuration, and Tablet PC still have keys available, and aren't
part of the new release.
In the meantime, XP Pro will be available in multiple sales
channels until Jan. 31, 2008, when it reaches its product
end-of-lifecycle for everyone but system builders. After another
year -- Jan. 31, 2009 -- it will stop being available
altogether.
Its strength, however, has surprised many, including Microsoft, who
expected to see more uptake for Vista, at XP's expense. Dell, for
instance, recently started offering XP again on systems in response
to customer demand. And Microsoft revised its desktop sales figures
for FY 2007, predicting that XP will sell many more copies than
anticipated, while Vista sold fewer.
OEMs especially need to heed the somewhat ominous warning Microsoft
relayed in its blog posting: "System builders must update their
images to Windows XP Professional SP2c. End users will not be able
to successfully complete installation of Windows XP Professional
with Service Pack 2c if they do not have updated images."
http://redmondmag.com/news/article.asp?editorialsid=8935
