AplusWebMaster writes "FYI...

- http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=21100081
Microsoft on Tuesday disclosed plans to extend the technical support it provides for all of its development and business products to a minimum of 10 years, giving customers an additional three years to keep using its software before technical support runs out. The change means companies can use many Microsoft products longer without the risks of running unsupported software or the costly alternative of signing a custom support contract. Among the products covered by the extended warranty are Windows 2000, Windows XP, and SQL Server 2000. Under a support life-cycle policy introduced in 2002, Microsoft has been providing software troubleshooting and repairs for five years on most products, followed by two years of extended help for an additional fee. But that so-called five plus two policy has proven insufficient for IT departments under budget pressure to keep their Windows PCs and servers in service longer. We determined we needed to make some changes, says Peter Houston, senior director of servicing strategy with Microsoft. The change was disclosed at Microsoft's TechEd conference in San Diego. Under the new five plus five policy, which goes into effect June 1, Microsoft will provide mainstream technical support for a minimum of five years, followed by five years of extended support. If it takes Microsoft more than five years between major product upgrades, the support window will be extended accordingly..."