 | Microsoft has announced the end of life for XP in April 2014. But since 33 % still use it, and nobody wants Windows 8, you can get updates for another 3 years. Many companies use Windows XP and they are not all ready to switch (to Linux?) yet. The program is called "Custom support" and will only be available to companies who are willing to pay $200,- per PC per year. Chances are that Microsoft will make more profit of selling XP support than from Windows 8. Only severe security issues will be patched. |
This policy may also pose a risk:
Linux is free and if you are not depending on Autocad there is not much else you need. Since many companies have to take the plunge sooner or later - the transition might as well be to Linux.
You need to train your personal in a different OS anyway. Windows 7 and the Linux KDE are more alike than Windows XP and Windows 7 so this would be the opportunity.
Once that trend is established - It would be very surprising if Microsoft does not patch Windows XP for free.
There is always a budget for competing with Linux.
And they have good reason to fear it.The world has become sensitive about American security patches - they could be "national". Proprietary US soft and hardware is not what it was, after Prism