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Microsoft partners Lenovo, Tencent to offer Windows XP in China

Microsoft partners Lenovo, Tencent to offer Windows XP in China 1t6842

By Reuters | Updated: 9 April 2014 18:44 IST

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Microsoft Corp has partnered Lenovo Group Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd to provide software security services for Windows XP s in China, after the U.S. tech firm stopped updating the operating system.

Microsoft wants s to move to later, more secure versions of Windows and so stopped servicing the 13-year-old XP this week, potentially leaving s vulnerable to viruses and hacking. 2i175r

(Also see: Microsoft Windows XP ends, hackers may be lurking)

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To continue for XP s, Lenovo, Tencent and several other Chinese computing companies to offer services such as information protection, post-virus repairs and upgrades to the newer Windows 7 or 8.

(Also see: Windows XP ends: 7 things to know)

"For domestic s who continue to use Windows XP before upgrading to a new operating system, we have made it a priority to provide safety protections," Microsoft said in an email to Reuters.

Tencent, in a statement to Reuters, said it will provide permanent XP free of charge, and that it has set up two 24-hour hotlines. Lenovo declined to comment.

Among other partners, Qihoo 360 Technology Co will offer security and, for 299 yuan, help s transition to newer versions.

"Qihoo 360 will continue to provide Windows XP to Chinese s as long as there are still XP s in China," Alex Xu, Qihoo 360 co-chief financial officer, told Reuters.

Encouraging s to upgrade could also reduce the number of computers running pirated Windows XP software. Former CEO Steve Ballmer reportedly told employees in 2011 that, because of piracy, Microsoft earned less revenue in China than in the Netherlands even though Chinese computer sales matched those of the U.S.

(Also see: End of Windows XP paints prime target for hackers)

But the cost of upgrading has irked some s. Added to any transition fee is the cost of the software - at least 888 yuan for Windows 8 - plus the cost of any hardware upgrade.

"Many of my clients only use their computers for email," said a computer shop owner who identified himself by the surname Niu. "There is no use for them to buy a new computer."

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