Microsoft Releases Windows XP to Manufacturing
By: Arie Slob
Microsoft today announced the release of Microsoft® Windows® XP, the next version of the Windows operating system, to computer manufacturers around the world. With development of the software now complete, Windows XP is on schedule for widespread availability on Oct. 25.
"Simply put, Windows XP is the best operating system Microsoft has ever built," said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect at Microsoft. "The performance improvements and advanced features of Windows XP are the culmination of more than 15 years of research, development and customer feedback. For customers, computer manufacturers and industry partners, Windows XP truly underscores the excitement and potential of the digital decade ahead."
"Windows XP rocks!" said Jim Allchin, group vice president of Windows at Microsoft. "Windows XP is the PC experience both home and business users have been looking for with the reliability and stability they have always wanted as well as end-to-end experiences with digital photos, digital music and communication. This is the operating system I have always wanted to build."
Microsoft is continuing to work with industry participants to ensure their readiness for the biggest Windows event in Microsoft history. Hardware and software manufacturers can enroll their products in the Windows Catalog and the Designed for Windows XP Logo Program. With manufacturers' products in the Windows Catalog and carrying the Designed for Windows XP logo, customers will be able to easily identify those products that will work great with Windows XP.
Microsoft is also continuing to work closely with PC manufacturers to ensure their most advanced hardware solutions will fully complement the new operating system. Customers can purchase a new "Windows XP Ready PC" today that meets the system requirements for Windows XP, allowing them to upgrade to Windows XP the day it ships. The complete list of Windows XP Ready PCs worldwide can be viewed online.
In an event today on the Microsoft main campus, Bill Gates and Jim Allchin presented the final Windows XP "gold code" to representatives from six major PC manufacturers. Commemorative CDs containing the final Windows XP software were placed into six gold ZERO Halliburton P5 attaché cases, and the representatives immediately departed via helicopters to begin the final stages of incorporating the new operating system into their computer manufacturing systems.
Windows XP Home Edition and Professional
Windows XP Home Edition is designed for individuals or families at home and includes experiences for digital media, home networking and communications. Windows XP Professional is the operating system of choice for businesses of all sizes and for people who demand the most out of their computing experience. Windows XP Professional adds remote access, security, performance, manageability and multilingual features to help users improve productivity and connectivity and work even smarter. Both editions of Windows XP will be available at retail in upgrade and standard versions.
Pricing
Windows XP Home Edition will be available in an upgrade version for $99 ERP and in a standard version for $199. Windows XP Professional will be available in an upgrade version for $199 and in a standard version for $299.