The move comes at least a year before the software giant’s release of its next operating system, code-named Longhorn, and three years into the lifespan of its last operating system release, Windows XP.
In its server form, Windows 2000 replaced Windows NT. Many companies, however, are choosing machines loaded with the end-user-friendly Windows XP when replacing obsolete computers, especially those running operating systems like Windows 95 or 98.
Consumer companies like Dell are no longer offering Windows 2000 as an option in their home or home office models, and as a result it is more likely that corporate workers are using XP at home and XP or 2000 at work.
Technology firms run the risk of leaving customers in the lurch when dropping support of still-popular platforms and hardware. While concentrating focus on newer innovations allows tech companies to marshal support resources, it often alienates consumers, as was the case when Apple stopped including floppy drives in its G3-flavored machines.
Apple also has ceased supporting its “Classic” environment three years into the life of successor OSX.
Canadian research firm AssetMetrix reports that large companies have been slow to adopt Windows XP’s Service Pack 2, an incremental upgrade released this year. With 2000 support being withdrawn and Windows 95, 98 and ME systems slowly disappearing from the landscape, however, Microsoft will likely be a two-operating system company by the time Longhorn is released.