The chain of reactions over Microsoft ceasing all support for Windows XP is still continuing, but that has not stopped the software giant from highlighting the looming end of mainstream support for Windows 7 operating system in 2015.
Microsoft has posted a page entitled “Products Reaching End of Support in the Second Half of 2014,” reminding that Windows 7 that runs on more than 50 percent of the computers in the world, will enter the extended support stage within the next 6 months.
The list of products for which mainstream support will end next year, includes Windows 7, Exchange Server 2010, Windows Storage Server 2008 and Dynamics. The company noted that the extended support for the Windows 7 operating system will commence on 14 January 2015, and will last for the next 5 years until 14 January 2020. The Windows Phone 7.8 version will also move to extended support on September 9.
A Microsoft product, typically after 5 years from the general release, will exit the mainstream support stage, but will still receive security updates at no cost. However, Microsoft will not accept any design changes or new feature requests during the extended support stage.
Till date, Microsoft hasn’t left any hint at extending the mainstream support for Windows 7. According to the recent figures from NetMarketShare, while Windows 7 make up for around half of the market, the Windows 8 and 8.1 together have scored just 12.54 percent of the market share, suggesting a lacklustre take up of the latest operating system.
Microsoft has also listed out a number of products that are reaching their End of Support on the same day including Host Integration Server 2004, Systems Management Server 2003 and Visual FoxPro 9.0. However, Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004 and Windows CE 5.0, will have the same treatment this year on October 14.
