One might think Microsoft is busy pushing the soon released Windows 8 as the OS of business choice... but a Microsoft-sponsored IDC white paper suggests Windows 7 is the logical upgrade for businesses still using Windows XP.
The name of the white paper says it all-- "Mitigating Risk: Why Sticking with Windows XP is a Bad Idea."
How come? Microsoft would rather kill off Windows XP (now 10 years old) as soon as possible than sell more copies of Windows 8 later in the future.
"Organizations that continue to retain a Windows XP environment not only are leaving themselves exposed to security risks and support challenges but also are wasting budget dollars that would be better used in modernizing their IT investments," the white paper says on the very first page.
According to Net Applications Win XP remains the most commonly used OS-- with April 2012 desktop OS share reaching 46.08%. In comparison Win 7 stands at 38.67%.
Microsoft ends support for Win XP on April 2014, a deadline the company hopes will speed up Windows 7 (or 8) adoption-- unless businesses decide to wait for Win 9 instead.
Go Mitigating Risk: Why Sticking with Windows XP is a Bad Idea
