Posted on Tuesday, September 03 2013 @ 10:23 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Microsoft revealed that Windows XP support will continue in some form after April 8, 2014 but only for Premier Support clients that purchase Custom Support for Windows XP. What this basically means is that unless you're a Fortune 500 company, this combo will be too costly for you. This kind of custom support isn't new, Microsoft also makes custom patches for clients running Windows XP SP2 (which reached the end of support in 2010).
I think it was this statement from a Microsoft spokesperson that may have raised some expectations.
"After April 8, 2014, Windows XP users will no longer receive new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft. Third parties may provide ongoing support, but it’s important to recognize that support will not address fixes and security patches in the core Windows kernel. If an organization continues to use Windows XP and purchases Custom Support, they will receive critical security updates as new threats are discovered, along with technical support through their Premier contract."
It's worth repeating these patches aren't for everyone, or, in fact, almost anyone. To get these custom patches, users need an active Premier Support agreement, a Microsoft spokesperson reiterated. On top of that, you need to purchase Custom Support. The combo is costly. For many, other than those in Fortune 500 companies, who are still running Windows XP, it's probably outside the realm of possibility.
Source: ZD Net
