Windows 98 granted stay of execution
Support extended till June 2006
Microsoft has issued a reprieve to Windows 98, 98SE and Millennium Edition users by extending support until 30 June 2006.
Support was due to end last Friday. Microsoft said it had changed its strategy in response to client needs.
"Never say never, but we're unlikely to extend this again," said Lars Ahlgren, global services marketing manager at Microsoft.
"We want to do the right thing by our customers, and while the extension may have looked like an easy decision we've devoted considerable investment to this."
But others suggested the move was made because of fears that firms would turn to open-source alternatives rather than upgrade.
Last week SuSE and Red Hat indicated they would be targeting Windows 98 customers. Channel players have also been moving in.
Clarity Technology is discounting prices for those who migrate to open source: until June customers will pay £30 per user per year.
"Firms should take this opportunity to look at alternatives," said Chris Whitely, Clarity's UK enterprise solutions manager.
"There might be extra functionality in the new Microsoft software, but do customers need it? They certainly haven't asked for it. And they haven't asked for the extra cost of the hardware upgrade that will be needed."