Microsoft announces to stop worldwide support for Windows XP April 14th, 2009

Summary

1. Popular new and affordable mini notebooks all depend on Windows XP.
2. Active users and business clients experience operating system problems.
3. Microsoft is asked to stay current with portable mobile support and XP technology.

Open letter to Microsoft

Dear support team, I cooperated in the development of a new generation of mobile PC's with the Intel Atom processor. This processor has minimal power consumption which is good for the environment. Above that, this processor is suited for small notebooks, which are nearly as mobile as a mobile phone. Think of the Acer Aspire One, the Asus EEE PC and the Medion Akoya mini. XP uses much less resources then Vista and is compatible with all brands of software and accessories. Besides that, it is more mature then Vista, which still suffers compatibility problems. Years ago I convinced developers that Windows XP is the right choice for mini notebooks.

A stack of boxes with mini notebooks in the Phonehouse store in Assen (Netherlands)

Last week at my ultra portable, the XP operation system asked for an original Encarta DVD for validation. The validation did succeed well. After that, the operating system malfunctioned in several respects:

1. Previously, the computer started up in 45 seconds. At the moment it lasts 4 minutes.
2. After starting up the computer, the firewall is frequently set to off, without user intervention. Then the firewall has to set to on again and again manually.
3. The pictogram for wireless connection in the system tray, is missing sometimes. Although the configuration / network / wireless connection / properties / connection pictogram was set to on.

These problems and the announced stop of generic support have the aura that the Windows XP system with the Atom processor is a combination not acclaimed for by Microsoft. The manufacturers of the mini notebooks are pressed by Microsoft to take over communal Microsoft support. The impression is that the experienced problems are a Microsoft représaille because of my choice.

Support after April 14th 2009 for XP and mini notebook users

Many people bought their mobile computer recently, together with a new copy of Windows XP. The market share of ultra mobiles with XP is growing rapidly. Not only Acer, Asus and Medion, but also HP, Toshiba and Siemens rushed in this new technology. The mini personal computers really are a consumer trend. They attract new consumers that beforehand only were interested in mobile phones. More then netbooks, office appications run smoothly with these mobiles. But these portables also appeal to an experienced connoisseur like me and business users because of the small footprint, the accessibility of the keyboard, the readability of the screen and the broad range of applications. Business users will love the extra efficiency at a small cost these mini notes offer, compared to personal organizers and heavy suit-cases on wheels. This will give new life for the XP and will prolongate the lifecycle for XP for many years to come.

Now according to Microsoft, the universal support of Windows XP will be taken away. This is not justified. Support for these new clients and these innovative PC developments fight the current economic crisis and are necessary. A lack of support will push the market share of Linux, which can be deadly for Microsoft's position with Vista. In my heart I stay loyal to Microsoft products. I'll promise to publish more user experiences with Windows mobile CE version 6.1. But Windows mobile CE is not an option for what I see as a major breakthrough in personal computing, the mini notebook. So I ask Microsoft for support and to stay current with the ultra mobile notebook and XP technology.

These problems are sended to Microsoft online support
they received this status: 'Severity C, minimal business impact'.

Bert Kerkhof is candidate for the European parliament, elections June 4th 2009
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