Dell extends Windows XP with “bonus” downgrade option | | 2008-07-03 | | Following the official "end of life" of Windows XP on Monday, Dell has announced an unprecedented "downgrade" option for purchasers of new PCs.
Taking advantage of a loophole in Microsoft’s licensing terms that allows a buyer of its most current operating system to downgrade to a previous version without having to purchase an additional license, Dell is giving customers the option of running XP now and transitioning to Vista when they’re ready.
Ironically named "Genuine Windows Vista Business Bonus", the arrangement involves purchasers ordering a Vista PC with XP pro pre-installed along with driver CDs and the installation DVD for Vista. This will cost between $20 and $50, depending on the computer. The deal will only be available directly from Dell, not through retail or resellers. Dell says it will continue to supply XP to at least 2009.
For large enterprises which have bought volume licences for XP, or who are not ready to migrate, Dell is also making Windows XP available as an "image" to those partners using the company’s Custom Factory Integration service.
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