SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Feb 07 (MARKET WIRE) --
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
keepthe 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.
Media Contact:
Tim Allik
Topaz Partners
Tallik@topazpartners.com
781-404-2410
Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.
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