This week, the blogosphere has been chock full of ranting about Windows XP's impending demise. The confirmation by Microsoft that Windows XP will cease to exist as a commercial product at the end of June has triggered all kinds of commentary, including at least one exhortation to just "let XP die, already" The problem with this logic is that it assumes there is a viable alternative. This week, the blogosphere has been chock full of ranting about Windows XP’s impending demise. The confirmation by Microsoft that Windows XP will cease to exist as a commercial product at the end of June has triggered all kinds of commentary, including at least one exhortation to just “let XP die, already!“The problem with this logic is that it assumes there is a viable alternative. Unfortunately, Windows Vista is not it, a fact attested to by the OS’ meager 6 percent installed base in the enterprise. And while Windows Server 2008 has proven to be a formidable workstation OS, such a non-standard configuration will never achieve mainstream desktop status.This leaves the typical Windows IT shop with few options. They can jump ship and try a competing platform, like OS X, UNIX or Linux; or they can try to stick with Windows XP until something better (Windows 7) comes along. As I’ve shown, you can indeed skip Vista without any long-term repercussions. By doing so you’ll save time, money and resources – all of which can then be applied to more pressing issues, like improving end-user productivity (i.e. what happens when every other new CPU cycle isn’t being chewed-up by DRM and excessive code bloat).Simply declaring XP “dead” won’t change the IT community’s opinion of Vista anymore than artificially delaying critical Windows XP bug fixes (i.e. Service Pack 3) will magically transform Vista from unwanted “bloat-ware” into “must have” upgrade. The market has spoken. The damage is done. The betrayal is complete.Instead of trying to ram Vista down our throats, Microsoft should face facts and start thinking about how it can rebuild all those bridges they burned along the way. A good starting point would be allowing us to continue purchasing new systems with Windows XP on them. That, plus engaging us early in the planning and development of Windows 7, would go a long way towards appeasing the Windows faithful. But simply pulling the rug out from under us – without providing a viable alternative – is not the way to treat your loyal customers. In fact, that’s how you turn them into disloyal customers – and create the opening that your ultimate successor uses to take down your empire. Software DevelopmentSmall and Medium Business