Windows XP still used by 74 percent of workplace PCs, according to Microsoft

14th July, 2010 by adina
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Tammi Reller, Corporate Vice President of Windows at Microsoft, during the Windows Partner Conference, admitted that 74 percent of workplace PCs are still utilizing Windows XP. Although both Vista and 7 versions have been released, many users refused to upgrade. Some of them are even keeping systems a longer time than they would normally have. Work PCs are now older than they have ever been, as the average age is 4.4 years.

Microsoft presented the discounts as opportunities for PC makers, as it hoped that many companies would very soon upgrade their operating systems to new versions.

The unusual longevity of Windows XP reflects a resistance to adopting new operating systems, although Windows 7 has addressed many complaints determining companies to skip Vista. Even the addition of the virtual machine Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 has not convinced those who claim that Vista architecture as well as later versions would not work with legacy applications and hardware. It seems it still carries stricter requirements that will rather make them completely replace the operating system instead of installing it in place or making minor hardware upgrades.

When it comes to home users, they have been more receptive to upgrading the OS and have significantly contributed with 150 million licenses for Windows 7 already sold. Microsoft expects other 350 million licenses to be sold by the end of this year.

Apple has had much faster transitions to new OS versions. The contribution of a much larger number of home users has been very important, but has also been helped by its software environment which has been less affected by the dependence on legacy applications than Windows.


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