Major Computer Manufacturers Make Windows XP Available

As of July 1, 2008 the three major PC and laptop manufacturers (HP, Dell, and Lenovo) will have programs in place to offer Windows XP to businesses that are not yet ready to move to Vista. In accordance with Microsoft’s “Downgrade Rights,” computers purchased with a license for Windows Vista Business or Premium editions are eligible to be downgraded to Windows XP Professional. The deadline for the “Downgrade Rights” offers is not set in stone at this time. Reports have surfaced that the offer will end as soon as January ’09 to as late as 2010. Dell has pledged they will offer the service until Microsoft discontinues it.

Dell and HP will offer services after June 18th where they will pre-install Windows XP upon request on select systems purchased with Vista Business or Premium. The computer will have a valid Vista license and Vista media so you can upgrade when your organization is ready.

Lenovo will ship all future PCs and laptops pre-installed with Vista but will include an XP downgrade CD upon request for an additional fee. You will have to manually install Windows XP on a Lenovo product after June 30.

Please note that these downgrade offers are only available to select business class PCs and laptops.

Everon’s recommendations:

Unless your entire organization is prepared to upgrade to Windows Vista Business, Everon recommends Windows XP Pro on your desktops and laptops. Some off-the-shelf and custom made software and databases in use in your environment may still not be ready to run in the Vista environment.

Everon recommends Dell and HP systems as they will come pre-installed with XP Pro and not require you to downgrade yourself for an extra fee.

For more information on this article, please contact gwilliamson@everonit.com.

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