Going Backwards, Can Be Making Progress

Source: http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/04/xp-will-not-expire-once-windows-7-ships.ars

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
My very first post dealt with the poor decision made by Microsoft to release six different versions of their new operation system Windows 7. This time Microsoft did something smart when considering Windows 7. Microsoft has announced that it will offer a downgrade service to Windows XP after Windows 7 ships. This would allow someone buying a new computer to choose to have it shipped with Windows XP instead of Windows 7.

For a company who is notorious for trying to force the computer industry to change on Microsoft's time and money, this seems strange; however smart. Generally the concept is to force everyone to upgrade at the time of a new operating system release to bring in the maximum profits. This attempt failed with Windows Vista which is why I believe Microsoft is trying to prevent this from happening with Windows 7. There was an uproar in the IT world when they could no longer order machines with Windows XP. People actually liked XP.

“As much as we [Microsoft] would like all its customers to switch to the latest-and-greatest on release day, the company recognizes that the wheels of business turn slowly, and that sometimes a little more time is needed”

For finally snapping back to reality, I am giving Microsoft a GOOD rating.