Just in time when Microsoft is ready to cease supporting Windows XP next Tuesday, the company is expected to announce one-year support lifeline for public bodies through a deal with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).
Microsoft is about to finalise a deal with the CCS that would provide public bodies with a further year of Windows XP support, recent report has claimed.
According to CRN’s report, the Cabinet Office, in an email sent to the public bodies, has advised them not to commit to any deals as they will have the chance to buy extended support for Windows XP as part of a deal which CCS intends to strike with Microsoft.
“We are writing to advise you that the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is currently finalising details of a Crown agreement with Microsoft that will provide all eligible public sector organisations with a further one-year support for these products to help with their migration plans,” the Cabinet Office explained in the email.
“If you are currently planning or negotiating an agreement for extended support for these products we recommend that you do not make any commitments at this time.”
The company had previously announced that it is going to end support for Windows XP with the April 8 Patch Tuesday update, leaving systems still running the OS vulnerable to a wide range of security risks.
This deal for extended Windows XP support between Microsoft and CCS, is likely to be announced next week. However, Microsoft as well as the Cabinet Office had refused to comment.
