The week Microsoft gives us Windows XP

At the end of the week the dust will be settling on Microsoft's latest launch - Windows XP.

On 25 October, the company will be going into overdrive in an attempt to get home and business users to upgrade their operating systems.

The budget for the launch is rumoured to be in the region of $200m - but compared with previous Microsoft initiatives, the XP campaign has been rather understated. It simply hasn't captured the imagination in the way Win2000 did, for example.

Clearly, world events have had a huge impact. A new operating system is less likely to be a key discussion point around the boardroom or dinner table right now. And rightly so.

But the lack of excitement runs deeper than that. From conversations our reporters have had with the users over the last few weeks, no one seems to care that much.

There are several reasons for this. Microsoft has some serious court cases looming over its head, ranging from a patent dispute with Intertrust to a full-scale EU investigation into its alleged anti-competitive practices.

IT directors are - wisely - remaining circumspect in this environment. Why upgrade when the product you're buying may have to change or be ruled illegal altogether? In the current economic climate, in which budgets are tightening, it's a risk too far.

Indeed, those budgets are a key factor. XP isn't cheap, and the furore around Microsoft's future licensing schemes still hasn't died down, and that's because the company still hasn't told users precisely what, and how, they'll be paying in the future. The licensing issue isn't unique to XP of course, but it may help explain why so many users seem to be sitting tight at the moment.

Then there's the age-old allegation that Microsoft always has to face up to - upgrade fatigue. Many users are still getting to grips with NT4, never mind Win2000. Many consumers are quite happy with Windows 98 or Windows ME. Microsoft will have to sell XP's benefits hard to make sure demand hits acceptable levels.

Throughout next week, silicon.com will be offering in-depth coverage of these angles, and much more in our latest Hot Topic. We'll be putting the man in charge of XP in the UK, on the spot in an exclusive video interview. We'll examine the legal uncertainties surrounding Microsoft. We'll list the key features of the product and we'll give you a forum to discuss all the issues.

The XP Hot Topic goes live on Monday 22 October, and will feature new content every day up to Thursday's launch and beyond.

XP: a rocket to boost the high-tech sector or damp squib? Tune in to silicon.com to find out.

For related articles, see
Bunch of Fives: 5 more Windows XP pre-launch primers
http://www.silicon.com/a48272
Best of Reader Comments: An all-Microsoft special
http://www.silicon.com/a48190
Microsoft faces another XP legal tussle
http://www.silicon.com/a47981
Security vendors fear death by XP monopoly
http://www.silicon.com/a47992