Microsoft Gives Channel Distributors a Break With XP

Microsoft (MSFT) announced that system builders and other channel distributors are able to supply customers with XP-based hardware until May 30, as long as they place the order by Jan. 31.

Because of Vista’s less-than-appealing reputation, customers are still clamoring for XP – and this policy change will enable channel partners to continue to build XP-based systems and not have to guess just how many customers will request it in order to go ahead and pay in advance for the XP solutions they anticipate selling. Since Vista was released, this is the third time Microsoft has extended XP’s availability and given partners flexible delivery dates beyond XP’s phase-out date at the end of January. Microsoft expects to debut Windows 7 in June.