we are just one year away from Microsoft ending its official support for Windows XP. While the OS launched over 11 years ago, a large number of businesses still use Windows XP and have not upgraded their systems to Windows 7 or 8.

Today, as expected, Microsoft sent out a press release that basically says it will be sticking to its April 8th, 2014 date for ending Windows XP support. Erwin Visser, general manager, Windows Commercial, is quoted as saying, “…. those that haven’t yet started their migration process need to begin as soon as possible to ensure that they meet the April 8, 2014, deadline.”

Microsoft has also launched a new program for small and medium size businesses to make it easier for them to update to Windows 8. The Windows for Business blog reports that Microsoft will give those businesses which still have Windows XP installed a 15 percent discount on buying both Windows 8 Pro as well as Office 2013 Standard (Office 2003 support will also end one year from now). The discount ends for those outlets on June 30th and is available for up to 100 licenses each of Windows 8 Pro and Office 2013 Standard.