News Article - 16 April 2007
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Contracts which allow new computers to be fitted with Microsoft's Windows XP will expire next January as part of the switchover to Vista, a report has claimed.

According to VNUNet.com, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that contracts would run out in January.

"It's standard practice to allow OEMs [original equipment manufacturers], retailers and system builders to continue offering the previous version of Windows for a certain period of time after a new version is released," said Mike Burk, product manager for Microsoft Windows Client.

He added that OEMs had been aware of the plans since 2006.

Upgrades to Vista are currently being driven by security features, such as BitLocker Drive Encryption, Michael Cheery, of Directions on Microsoft stated.

In a recent statement, Microsoft said that Windows Vista was the most well-connected, safe and easy-to-use operating system it had ever released.

Windows XP, released in 2001, succeeded Windows 2000 and Windows Me.

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