Interest in Windows XP's longevity has been driven by several factors,
including the approaching June 30 deadline and the imminent release of
another service pack, but the biggest reason users seem to want XP to
live is a general reluctance to upgrade to Windows Vista.

If you want to continue using XP, what problems will you face? If you
buy a PC with Vista installed and decide you want XP instead, what are
your options?
Earlier this week, Forrester Research Inc. released results of monthly
surveys during 2007 that polled more than 50,000 enterprise computer
users. According to the surveys, Windows XP usage remained constant
throughout the year at slightly over 89% of all Windows users in
businesses. Windows Vista, meanwhile, grew from nearly nothing to just
over 6%, but it appeared to get its gains at the expense of Windows
2000, not the dominant Windows XP.

A Forrester researcher said the data hinted that companies might hang
onto Windows XP until the next iteration, Windows 7, is available in
late 2009 or early 2010, skipping Vista altogether.

Gartenberg acknowledged the pressure to push out XP's drop-dead date
came from Vista's troubles. "In the past, you could argue that the
latest and greatest from Microsoft was better. But for many people and
businesses, that just doesn't fly this time.


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