More Than 75,000 Signatures Collected to Save Microsoft Windows XP

Market Wire, February, 2008

InfoWorld, the leading Web site for information technology decision makers, announced today that more than 75,000 people have signed InfoWorld's "Save Windows XP" petition ( www.SaveXP.com ) in the three weeks since it was launched -- many with passionate, often emotional pleas to not be forced to make a change.

While many businesses are willing to make the switch, others see the cost as too high. "We believe that users should have the choice," said Galen Gruman, executive editor of InfoWorld.

Microsoft plans to end most sales of Windows XP on June 30. Although businesses will have access to XP after that date, they will not have a simple, straightforward way to continue adding XP to new equipment and for new staff. "Thus, they face additional costs whether they choose to adopt Vista or stay with XP," Gruman noted. Therefore, InfoWorld decided in January to rally Windows users through its Save XP petition to demand that Microsoft keep XP available as a standard option indefinitely.

InfoWorld expects to present the "Save Windows XP" petition to Microsoft when it has collected 100,000 signatures. "Judging from the number of signatures and comments we've collected in such a short amount of time, we have definitely struck a nerve with this effort," Gruman said.

Although InfoWorld's campaign has given a voice to users who prefer to keep the familiar XP, concerns over Vista had been bubbling since its release a year ago. That has been evident not only anecdotally in comments that InfoWorld editors have heard from IT professionals and users alike, but also in the slow adoption of Vista in the marketplace.

Microsoft has reported that it sold 100 million Vista licenses in 2007, which means that roughly four out of 10 new machines shipped with Vista on them. By comparison, nearly 70 percent of PCs shipped with XP in its first year, reported the market research firm Net Applications.

InfoWorld's "Save Windows XP" petition is at www.SaveXP.com , where information and updates about Microsoft Vista and the fate of Windows XP are also available.

Media Briefing Opportunity:

InfoWorld Executive Editor Galen Gruman is available for interviews about the Save XP petition.

About InfoWorld Media Group

InfoWorld Media Group helps IT Decision Makers choose the right technology, within the context of a cohesive strategy for business impact at their organizations. InfoWorld identifies and promotes emerging technology segments that add unique value for the organizations that implement them, as well as the vendors that provide those solutions. Using an integrated communications approach including online, events, research, and a continued investment in an independent Test Center, InfoWorld analysts and editors provide hands-on analysis and evaluation, as well as expert commentary on issues surrounding emerging technologies and products. Visit InfoWorld at http://www.infoworld.com .

About International Data Group

International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events, and research company. IDG's online network includes more than 450 web sites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment and video games worldwide. IDG also publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers in 85 countries. IDG's media brands include CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. IDG's lead-generation service, IDG Connect, matches technology companies with an audience of engaged, high-quality IT professionals, influencers, and decision makers.

IDG is a leading producer of more than 750 technology-related events including Macworld Conference & Expo, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, Entertainment for All Expo (E for All), DEMO, Storage Networking World, and IDC Directions. IDC, a subsidiary of IDG, is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events. Over 900 IDC analysts in more than 90 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends.

Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at http://www.idg.com .

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