Microsoft Bows to Pressure, Extends Support for Older Windows Versions:
"Microsoft Corp. on Monday capitulated to customer pressure and announced that it would now continue extended support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition and for Windows Millennium Edition (ME) until June 30, 2006. "

… on Monday a company spokesman told eWEEK that the decision to extend support for the products was "part of Microsoft's ongoing effort to respond to customers' needs around the world." During this time, Microsoft will continue to offer paid phone support and will continue to review any critical security issues and take appropriate steps.

"Microsoft made this decision to accommodate customers worldwide who are still dependent upon these operating systems and to provide Microsoft more time to communicate its product lifecycle support guidelines in a handful of markets—particularly smaller and emerging markets," he said.

According to officials, Microsoft also wanted to bring Windows 98 SE into compliance with the company's current lifecycle policy for new products, which provides for support for seven years instead of the original four.

"Microsoft made the decision to also lengthen support for Windows 98 and Windows Me customers through the same date in order to provide a clear and consistent date for support conclusion for all of these older products," the spokesman said.

The move is expected to bring relief to some IT users, and particularly consumers, given the millions who still use the products.…

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1434318,00.asp