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Resellers show mixed reactions to Windows XP

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DQC Bureau
New Update

The usual enthusiasm that surrounds new launches is missing among resellers for the launch of Windows XP

(WXP) on 25th October. While some say that the retail release of WXP is expected to help push PC sales, others are not convinced that WXP will do much to revive the market from the current slowdown. Majority of the resellers are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping for the best.

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Attempts are being made by various international groups to stall the launch of

WXP, alleging technology violation, privacy invasion, and unfair and deceptive trade practices by Microsoft. Besides, the new Windows Product Activation feature and Microsoft's future plans to make WXP a subscription model, has also caused confusion among

partners.

Karthik Padmanabhan, Marketing Manager, Microsoft Corporation India says, "We are very optimistic about the response for WXP from the Indian market. It is a definitive release in the Windows family. The product provides a whole new range of user experiences for the end-user -- whether it is a home user, or a business user."

While quite a few are betting on the new OS, some resellers are not very convinced about WXP doing any good to the market. Deepak

Jhaveri, Director, Magnamious Systems says, "I don't think users are looking forward for Windows XP with much enthusiasm. Usually, corporate users try to upgrade their software once in four to four-and-a-half years. However, with

WXP, Microsoft wants upgradation to happen every two years. Corporates are finding this unacceptable."

According to Ashish Aggarwal, Trifin Technologies, response to WXP will largely depend on prevailing market conditions. "I don’t foresee too much upgradation happening anyway, though it might pick up by the year-end."

GM Kamat, Director of PC Center and a Microsoft reseller says, "Sales of software is related to the sale of hardware. As soon as the hardware market picks up the software also will do well." (For full story, read Main Channel on page 14).

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