There is no bigger event for Microsoft, not a more momentous occasion early next year than the retirement of Windows XP. Redmond is all set to officially stop supporting the old OS after April 8, 2014.
The software titan is not only actively making efforts to ensure that most users will be running newer versions of Windows after this date, but has also enlisted (hardware and software) partners to support these efforts.
Two of the biggest names that have launched programs to assist users and businesses to migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 are Intel and HP — and according to both companies the signs are very encouraging.
Meg Whitman, the CEO of HP talking to CNET noted:
“So, we’re leading… the migration off of XP. And we actually — I think, Microsoft would probably tell you — we’re among the leaders in terms of spearheading that migration. We’ve been on this for well over a year, and it’s actually going pretty well.”
Intel also sees the retirement of Windows XP as an opportunity. Businesses are capitalizing and helping more users to deploy a new operating platform. In the words of Kirk Skaugen, Intel’s general manager of the PC Client Group:
“Remember, Windows XP support end of life is in April so we have confidence that the business refresh which typically comes with a hardware upgrade is heading our way… whether they move to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 that’s a big change for business.”
Microsoft already has a tough enough challenge to discontinue the ancient operating system, which is installed on millions upon millions of computers worldwide — the latest statistics show numbers between 20 to 30 percent.
These partner efforts should be an immense help as we head into this last stretch.
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These companies needs to understand that they’re all in this together. The Microsoft haters understand it. The people who make apps for iOs and Android are always out there talking about how great those platforms. Some of the developers of PS4 exclusives are doing the same thing. What HP, Lenovo, Dell, and Intel have to realize is “so goes Microsoft, so goes everyone else.” They need to be out there leading the charge to get people moved over the Windows 8.1 and Windows-based tablets. Over time it will be cheaper for them to make their mobile devices, and will lead to more profit for everyone. The same for these app makers. They can say all they want that they’re going with the platforms with the most people. But expansion should always be on your mind. If you get out there and make a quality app and you hype up the quality of the platform you’re putting it on, you make more money in the end.