While Microsoft has scheduled to stop supplying Windows XP through retail outlets and major OEM brands by the end of June 2008, Microsoft has decided to continue supplying Windows XP through Compucon New Zealand channel up to the end of January 2009.  There are 2 ways that customers can obtain Win XP in new Compucon systems during the transition period.

(a) Customer purchases Win XP as the OS of the Compucon System
(b) Customer purchases Win Vista Business or Ultimate as the OS of the Compucon System and exercises the downgrade right for Win XP Professional

Microsoft will continue to support Win XP up to the end of April 2014.  For more information on the support lifecycle, please see

http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-gb&x=16&y=12&C2=1173

This space will clarify if the downgrade right will go past January 2009 or not.  We are waiting for Microsoft to confirm this and the result when known will replace this paragraph. 

Windows XP has been updated to Service Pack 3 for Compucon PC ordered with Windows XP as from 21st of May 2008. Microsoft have stated & our tests have confirmed that SP3 supports the new licence key support added to XP Pro SP2C.  XP SP2/SP2C are still available for install in the event they are specifically requested at the time of system ordering. SP3 contains the DST (Daylight Savings Time) Update for NZ

Windows Vista has been updated to Service Pack 1 for new Compucon PC ordered with Windows Vista OS as from 21st of May 2008. This includes 32bit & 64bit platforms and all versions from Basic to Ultimate for Retail, OEM & NFR Versions but not VLV Version which requires different media. Vista SP1 contains the DST (Daylight Savings Time) Update for NZ

Microsoft extends Windows XP's stay
A News Digest (extracted from reputable sources)

Source: CNET News.com
Published: September 27, 2007, 4:56 PM PDT
http://www.news.com/Microsoft-extends-Windows-XPs-stay/2100-1016_3-6210524.html?part=rss&tag=2547-1_3-0-20&subj=news

Large PC manufacturers were slated to have to stop selling XP after January 31. However, they have successfully lobbied Microsoft to allow them to continue selling PCs with all flavors of Windows XP preloaded until June 30, a further five months. Microsoft also plans to keep XP on retail shelves longer and will allow computer makers in emerging markets to build machines with Windows XP Starter Edition until June 2010.
Microsoft, for its part, sought to downplay the impact of the move disagreeing with the notion that there is still strong demand for XP. "We wouldn't term it strong," said Kevin Kutz, a director in Microsoft's Windows Client unit. "We would describe this as accommodating a certain element who needs more time." Kutz said Microsoft had seen similar demand patterns with past releases and noted that in the past, old operating systems remained available for around 18 months after the release of a new operating system.