US Navy Pays Microsoft $9M a Year to Support Windows XP

In 2014, Microsoft pulled their support for Windows XP in which they will no longer issue security updates to fix issues with the software. Despite this, any company or agency that is still using Windows XP can pay Microsoft for continued updates. Notably, the United States Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command is still using Windows XP, though the agency is planning to upgrade its systems by July 12, 2016.

However, the upgrade may take additional time which is the reason why the United States Navy has established a contract with Microsoft to pay the software giant approximately $9 million a year for Windows XP support until June 8, 2017.

Since the Navy utilizes several applications and programs that require legacy Windows products, the Windows XP service must be used until the applications and programs are updated or replaced. Though Microsoft is trying to phase out XP in favor of its latest operating system, approximately 44% of corporations are still using Windows XP and nearly 15% of all PCs worldwide are still using the software.

The SPAWAR could be using up to 100,000 machines that are relying on Windows XP. Other government agencies such as the US Army have also recently approved a similar support agreement for more than 8,000 Windows XP devices.

Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on a personal computer. Full-production manufacturing on devices with the software began on August 24, 2001, and the software was released for retail sale on October 25, 2001. The software was preceded by both Windows 2000 and Windows ME and the system was followed by Windows Vista.

Windows XP mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009 and its extended support ended on April 8, 2014. Sales of Windows XP licenses to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) ceased on June 30, 2008, but continued for netbooks until October 2010.

Via our proprietary website ASAP Memory, ASAP Semiconductor is a leading distributor of Windows products. Prospective customers can browse our inclusive inventory of hard-to-find obsolete and current Windows parts at www.asap-memory.com. If you are interested in a part, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable sales staff at sales@asap-memory.com or 1-714-705-4780 for a quote.