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Microsoft planning to phase out Windows XP on June 30th
CEO says Win XP could stay on shelves if customers complain
Technology: Read more news and reviews in our tech section »

MICROSOFT could re-think plans to phase out its Windows XP operating system
by June 30 if customers show they want to keep it but so far they have not,
chief executive Steve Ballmer said.

"XP will hit an end-of-life. We have announced one. If customer feedback
varies we can always wake up smarter but right now we have a plan for
end-of-life for new XP shipments," Mr Ballmer said on Thursday.

Microsoft has announced that it will stop licensing Windows XP to computer
makers and end retail sales by June 30.

Mr Ballmer said most retailers sold computers with Vista, the latest version
of its Windows operating system, and most consumers were choosing to buy
Vista.

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Some consumers have complained they were unable to buy XP at retail stores,
or as consumers. They say that in order to get XP they must buy their
computers as small businesses.

"In the business environment, we still have customers who are buying PCs
with XP" because information technology departments often have to work with
old machines, Mr Ballmer said.

Vista requires high-speed central processing units installed only in newer
machines.

Mr Ballmer was also asked whether the company would appeal against an 899
million euro ($1.51 billion) antitrust fine imposed by the Brussels-based
European Commission in February.

"I really have nothing to say about that today, sorry," he said.

The company must decide by early May whether to appeal to the European Court
of First Instance against the fine, imposed because the Commission found
Microsoft had charged rivals high prices to discourage software competition.

The court upheld a 497 million euro ($830.45 million) fine and other
antitrust penalties against Microsoft in a landmark decision in September.

Mr Ballmer was speaking at a news conference called to announce the
establishment of an "innovation centre" in the Belgian city of Mons, near
where rival Google has a data centre.

Mr Ballmer, asked whether Microsoft had decided to locate in Mons because
Google was there, said it had not.

He reiterated Microsoft's plan to go to Yahoo shareholders if that company
turned down its takeover offer of $US43.6 billion ($46.43 billion).

"We've sent them a letter that says, 'it's a good price, please let us know.
If you don't let us know, maybe your shareholders will think it's a good
price.'"