System builders and computer dealers that build PCs to order -- will now be able to obtain Windows XP Professional licenses through at least May 30 , according to a Microsoft spokeswoman. Previously, Microsoft had set Jan. 31 as its deadline for selling new XP licensees to the distributors that supply system builders.

"Microsoft is making accommodations through a flexible inventory program that will allow distributors to place their final orders by January 31, 2009, and take delivery against those orders through May 30, 2009," said Microsoft..

The relaxed rules directly affect Microsoft's authorized distributors, which in turn sell licensees to system builders. Previously, the middlemen distributors, which include well-known names such as Ingram Micro, were told that they had to not only place orders for XP licenses by Jan. 31, but also take possession of those licenses and, of course, pay for them.

Rather than require distributors to stockpile licenses prior to the Jan. 31 deadline, Microsoft will now only demand that they place their orders by that date. Under the new plan, they will have until the end of May to actually take delivery of, and pay for, the licenses.

System builders will be allowed to purchase licenses from distributors until the latter exhaust their supplies, which means that custom computer makers will have access to Windows XP Professional until at least May 31, and assuming distributors have licenses remaining in stock, for weeks or even months after that.

By: DocMemory
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