Top 10 questions about the end of support
With 27 days left before the end of support for Windows 2000 and Windows XP SP2, I wanted to spend some time discussing what the “end of support” actually means for customers.  We receive a lot of questions on this subject, so I’ve tried to consolidate them in a “Top 10” type of list.  My apologies to David Letterman for borrowing his concept Microsoft MCTS Training (and for the apparent lack of humor).  J

So here they are…  The 10 Top Questions About The End of Support:

10.  What does “support” mean?
Generally, the minimum bar for something to be considered supported is that we provide at least one type of assisted support option and no-charge security updates.  This means that, at a minimum, the customer will have some avenue to contact Microsoft for assistance and Microsoft will continue to provide security updates through channels like Windows Update and the Download Center.

It is important to note that the minimum requirement for support does not include any specific no-charge or paid support offerings.  This means that offerings such as Premier Support, Professional Support or no-charge support are optional – they are offered at Microsoft’s discretion, based on market demand and offering feasibility.

In addition, non-security hotfixes and design change requests are not included in the minimum requirement.  These hotfixes are optionally provided by Microsoft and are evaluated on a case by case basis by each product team.

9. What does “end of support” mean for a product (e.g. Windows 2000)?

Somewhat unsurprisingly, end of support for a product means that we will no longer provide support after this date. J For Consumer products, end of support is at the end of the Mainstream Support phase.  For Business and Developer products, end of support is the end of the Extended Support phase Microsoft MCITP Certification.

After these dates, no further support will be provided for the product.  This means that customers will not have access to:

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security updates or non-security hotfixes
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free or paid assisted support options
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the option to engage Microsoft’s product development resources
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updates to online content (KB articles, etc.)

Online content may be available, if the product is still within the Online Self-Help Support phase.