Killing Windows XP Wastes Billions @ PC Magazine
In the PC world there is an issue with supply and demand. Right now the supply is too high and demand is low. You might ask, "Why is demand so low?" and when you do you would get a different answer from each person you ask.
I suspect that an early success of Windows XP is partially to blame followed by extremely robust processor options from Intel/AMD. That combo created a PC platform that doesn't break down, rarely wears out and is powerful enough to run anything the modern world needs.
Of course there are replacement options, you can buy a new computer and get a shiny new operating system or be forced to upgrade because a game you want to play requires new technology but, that is at the end user level and only a small factor of the entire picture.
Microsoft is too dumb to realize that it can effortlessly monetize Windows XP using the beloved software subscription/rental scheme the company keeps discussing, but apparently has nothing but trouble trying to implement.
I am going to describe a multi-billion dollar idea that Microsoft must consider.
There are still approximately 500 million XP users—an estimated 29 percent of the computers in the world. Many do not want to upgrade to anything new. They are happy campers.
This article on PC Magazine is quite good and takes the approach that Microsoft shouldn't abandon Windows XP but rather embrace the user base and offer a paid subscription to keep OS updates in place. I happen to agree but there are a number of factors against this.
1) Most of the people still using Windows XP, either don't have a valid license or refused to update the OS.
2) Microsoft makes its money selling "new" products and part of that is offering "free" updates after the fact. Yes you can pay to call support but OS updates remain free
3) Microsoft knew that people wouldn't upgrade which is why back in the NT4 days they said that no new functionality would be released in a service pack. That forces an upgrade cycle and ensures sales for everyone.
The real crux is, people like being productive and being forced to learn something new and having to pay a lot of money for the opportunity is not being productive. I really doubt MS cutting off support for Windows XP will stop the world but may cause some issues 3 years from now.
Related Web URL: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2454844,00.as...
