Microsoft Sets Out Options as XP SP3 Nears End of Life

Enterprises with older Microsoft operating systems should be moving now to ensure that their software is as secure as possible. The company has warned users that Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2000 will reach their End of Life at the end of July. The RTM version of Vista has already passed its End of Life, back on 13 April.

Microsoft operates a 10-year policy on operating systems before users have to move to Extended Support, it also offers three-year support on service packs. Besides the desktop operating systems, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003 will all move from Mainstream Support to Extended Support at the end of July

According to Ian Moulster, Windows product manager for Microsoft UK, Vista and XP users will have several options. "They can move to XP SP3 or to a later version of Vista or they can opt for Microsoft break-fix, which is a low level support. That's not recommended as a long term solution though."

The other option, of course, is to move to the newer Windows 7 operating system but Moulster said that many organisations would not want to go down that route immediately.

:story: Full story: PC World