PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
According to website APC, by early 2008, Microsoft’s contracts with computer makers will require companies to only sell Vista machines. "The OEM version of XP Professional goes next January," said Frank Luburic, senior ThinkPad product manager for Lenovo in the article. "At that point, they’ll have no choice."
This could be especially awkward for the B2B market as business users have so far been very reluctant to abandon XP Pro. The story also cites a posting on Direct2Dell which said "Dell recognizes the needs of small business customers and understands that more time is needed to transition to a new operating system."
"From a local perspective, the post was a reminder more than an announcement," Dell ANZ corporate communications manager Paul McKeon told APC.This implies that everyone was already aware of the deadline. Either way, forcing users to switch to Vista before they’re ready is bound to be controversial.
