Microsoft has announced that Windows XP and Office 2003 will reach end of support in just two years. On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will officially end support and recommends that users migrate to Windows 7 and Office 2010.
Microsoft acknowledges that Windows XP and Office 2003 were great software releases for their time, but due to a shift in the technology environment and an evolution in technology, people's needs and expectations also change and evolve.
For those thinking about waiting until Windows 8 is released before updated from Windows XP, Microsoft suggests you do not wait. "Not only is it important for companies to complete deployment before support runs out, but they should also be aware that by upgrading to Windows 7 and Office 2010 today they can gain substantial results today while laying the foundation for future versions of these products. And with over 525 million Windows 7 licenses sold since its release, many customers are already taking advantage of everything Windows 7 has to offer," Microsoft adds. Microsoft plans on offering migration tips for those who are nervous about updating from Windows XP.
During the Worldwide Partner Conference last year, Microsoft's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner told 14,000 audience members consisting of Microsoft partners to prep their customers for a the "new world" of Windows 7, Office 2010, and IE9.
Turner also told audience members that Windows XP, Office 2003, and IE6 were dead. "Windows XP, Office 2003, and IE6 deserve a standing ovation. God bless them. They've worked for the last twelve, thirteen years. We love those products. We absolutely love those products. They've been so good to so many people. But you know what? They're dead. They're dead. End of life is 2014. We have to get behind this refresh," Turner stated.