V3.co.uk readers ready for end of XP SP2

Only 13 per cent of poll respondents are sticking with XP SP2

The majority of V3.co.uk readers have said that their company has already migrated to Windows XP SP3, as support for XP SP2 comes to an end today.

Forty-five per cent of respondents to our Windows XP SP2 support poll said that they had migrated, compared with just 13 per cent who are sticking with XP SP2.

Some organisations have already upgraded their entire operating system (OS), with 21 per cent deploying Windows 7 and six per cent still running Windows Vista.

Twelve per cent indicated that they are not using Windows at all, and three per cent said only that they had 'upgrade plans in place' for their version of Windows.

Many readers who left comments on the poll appeared to accept the change, and said that it fell within a reasonable time period.

"Most companies look to upgrade their computer base on a similar timeline, which would also fall inline with the new OS that is provided in the price of the computer," said Chris.

Another reader, Martin, also argued that Microsoft is entitled to withdraw its SP2 support for XP.

"Thirteen years for an OS is long enough. It wont stop working, just don't expect anymore support from Microsoft or [any] security holes to be patched," he said.

However, some respondents questioned Microsoft's move. V3.co.uk reader Allan Dunnett argued that Microsoft's continued upgrades are hurting small firms.

"As soon as a new OS is marketed Microsoft announces withdrawal of support of older systems. I have a limited resource and am looking elsewhere for more consistent long-term support. I think Microsoft is milking the small business person," he said.

Reader 'GH' also argued that the move forces people to upgrade, and questioned the benefits of doing so.

"I see no desire to upgrade to Windows 7 with all its security prompts and hiding configuration several more levels away from users," he said.

"XP is stable and performs. I haven't noticed Windows 7 being better in any department when I've used it, so where's the incentive?"

In a slightly unusual move, Microsoft has announced that it will give customers the ability to downgrade from Windows 7 to XP Professional to help maintain a consistent platform across their businesses.