Microsoft Tuesday unveiled a public release candidate for XP Mode, a much talked about feature that lets Windows 7 customers maintain compatibility with certain types of mission-critical Windows XP applications.
XP Mode, a virtual Windows XP SP3 environment running under Windows Virtual PC, is aimed specifically at small and medium size businesses that have been running older or custom-built applications in XP. By ensuring backward compatibility with XP applications, XP Mode removes a key barrier for companies that skipped Windows Vista and are looking to migrate to Windows 7.
Scott Woodgate, director of Desktop Virtualization and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP), says some misconceptions have arisen about XP Mode since Microsoft launched the beta in April. For example, some customers are unaware that many XP applications run well in Windows 7 and that XP mode is for the much smaller number that don't, Woodgate said.
"We think of XP Mode as the 'Last Mile' of compatibility technology," Woodgate said in an interview with Channelweb.com.
Some experts have noted that running XP Mode on Windows 7 doubles the security software requirements for PCs and presents a bigger target for attackers. But while there are costs associated with XP Mode in terms of running antivirus software on both instances of Windows, Woodgate says these are outweighed by the compatibility benefits.
Microsoft says XP Mode works best on new PCs and says its OEM partners are well equipped to pre-install Windows Virtual PC and the virtualized XP environment. XP Mode requires PCs with at least 2 GB of RAM and 15 GB of free hard drive space, and it won't run on anything other than virtualization-enabled processors from Intel and AMD.
Solution providers believe XP Mode will help spur XP-using customers to upgrade, but the problem for Microsoft is that businesses of all sizes are holding off on big projects until the economy shows signs of improvement. This suggests that XP Mode might not have the immediate impact Microsoft hopes.
|
10 Letdowns From The Facebook IPO Filing It may make a lot of its employees millionaires, but Facebook's IPO filing was disappointing in a few areas. |
|
Seven Hot Business Apps For Mac OS X Macworld/iWorld, the new name for the Macworld expo, featured the first OS X Zone. The sold-out section of the showroom floor was dedicated to exhibitors with software and accessories for Apple's Mac desktops and laptops. |
|
The New Face Of Linux Distros In 2012 From specialized OSes for fixed functions like kiosks or security, to revamped GUIs on general operating systems, Linux desktops in 2012 are taking on a new look. |
 More
Slide Shows |
- The Importance of Partner Enablement in a Changing Software Industry
- The Cloud Computing Opportunity – How to Effectively Tap into the Future of IT
- Seize the Cloud! Proven Near-Term Tactics From Successful Service Providers: Hear the Inside Secrets from the fastest growing $2m+ MSPs
- Open Source and the Channel: A Perfect Pairing
