Unless you've been living in a pure Linux world (i.e., under a rock) you should already know that the end of life for Windows XP is April 8, 2014. According to survey stats gathered by HP, there are still 40 percent of businesses running the older Microsoft operating system. That survey number was enough to shock HP into doing something more, it seems, as they have used Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference to announce their intent to help the 40 percent get to a supported platform before D-Day. Of course, it also helps that HP can make some money along the way.

HP believes they are best suited to help businesses achieve the goal since they provide the four main categories of provisioning for the upgrades: hardware, software, consulting, and financial services.

Press Release:

HP Works With Microsoft to Give Businesses a Boost; Drive Seamless, Cost-effective Windows XP Transition

HP provides hardware, software and services that simplify migration and increase performance

HOUSTON — HP today announced a collaborative approach with Microsoft Corp. to help customers transition from Windows XP to a more current version of Windows.

Microsoft’s support for Windows XP is scheduled to end on April 8, 2014, and according to a recent HP survey, 40 percent of business customers have not yet deployed a Windows XP alternative operating system (OS).

HP offers businesses the broadest hardware portfolio, a large specialized workforce of trained Microsoft experts and the most advanced training tools to enable a smooth and cost-effective Windows XP transition process. This is further supported by a highly effective services model and strong channel support. As a result, HP can help businesses reduce support and maintenance, increase productivity, lower IT costs, and improve protection from security threats.

“Many businesses have been avoiding the XP migration, fearing lack of compatibility and loss of productivity during the transition process,” said Enrique Lores, senior vice president and general manager, Commercial PCs, HP. “HP’s broad portfolio of products and services are both comprehensive and cost-effective, while HP Financial Services (HPFS) allows for minimal upfront investment, providing businesses a worry-free, simple migration from XP to a more recent Windows OS.”

“We are excited about the investments HP is making to help customers adopt the benefits of a modern Windows experience,” said Erwin Visser, general manager, Windows, Microsoft. “By working with a company such as HP, which has hardware and services solutions in place, businesses can almost immediately start realizing the benefits of Windows 8 and Windows 7.”

HP products and services to support customer migration

To take advantage of changing work styles in a touch-enabled world, HP’s new portfolio of business desktops, notebooks and all-in-ones (AiOs) is optimized for Windows 7 and Windows 8. HP is transforming the workforce with a new style of IT with innovative devices like the HP ElitePad 900. With a lightweight, stylish design and enhanced security, the HP ElitePad opens up new opportunities to realize near-term benefits from the migration.

When transitioning to a new OS, it’s critical that organizations take a holistic view across hardware and software to achieve full optimization. HP’s deep experience and global footprint has established HP Enterprise Services as a leader in desktop management. HP Workplace Software Management Services offer planning, staffing and automation to rapidly deploy new computers or update OS images on existing systems. Technical experts work with a business to design a migration plan that leverages automated software distribution, while localized field technical resources update existing computers and deploy new devices following OS image build, integration testing and certification. HP Enterprise Services also support ongoing automated software patch and security signature distribution, as well as management of licenses and assets.

HP Financial Services enables qualified customers to simplify their Windows XP transition by offering minimal upfront investment and payment plans. Customers can utilize various HPFS programs that offer payment deferrals for up to 90 days, or 1 percent cash back on qualifying transactions.

The migration from Windows XP to the latest Windows OS is an integral part of providing end users with a seamless, integrated and productive experience. HP Technology Services offers HP Mobility Transformation Services for Windows, providing customers with a complete range of consulting and support services for all stages of the Windows XP transition as part of their overall mobility strategy to meet the changing needs of their business.

HP Technology Services also offers HP Client Migration Services to match individual business scenarios with the right upgraded software. With this service, businesses have access to HP’s large global network of training professionals.

HP also provides its channel partners the resources they need to assist their customers in the migration. Channel partners can take advantage of unique training tools, expert resources, HP PartnerONE program benefits and specialized bundles. 

Enhanced productivity and benefits

Upgrading to Windows 7 helps businesses improve performance and productivity.

• Businesses can halve their lost productivity costs per PC by transitioning from Windows XP.
• For every 230 supported PCs, a move to Windows 7 frees up the equivalent of one full-time resource.
• Windows 8 on certified hardware provides a considerable increase in overall platform security.

Reduced IT costs

Organizations that continue using Windows XP past April 8, 2014, may need to increase IT costs to develop software security patches to prevent breaches.

By transitioning to Windows 7, businesses can reduce technical support needs by up to 70 percent per PC and save $700 annually per user from reduced support costs and power usage.

Improving user interfaces and experiences

HP’s full range of products that are optimized for Windows 7 and Windows 8 allows businesses to rethink the way they operate and provides the right solutions to move the business forward.

• The Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems offer a more responsive, hassle-free and customizable experience, while maintaining security as a primary objective.
• HP devices have access to around-the-clock personalized service and support.
• Many new HP AiOs and displays are touch-enabled and optimized for a full Windows 8 experience capabilities.

Additional information about HP Client Migration Services and the latest HP PCs featuring Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating system is available at HP’s XP Migration Services site.