What Microsoft's extended XP support means to IT

Microsoft is trying to ease the confusion about Windows XP support, and so the company is circulating on Monday details about what will change and what will remain the same.

Let's start with the brief but noteworthy changes. Microsoft confirms that XP is now entering the Extended Support phase, where it will reside for five years. What that means is that IT shops will need to have a Premier support contract with Microsoft to get non-security hotfixes, and those will carry a fee.

Microsoft also noted what stays the same. Until April 2014, customers will still get security patches delivered for free. Customers will also be able to get paid incident phone and Web support, Microsoft said. As part of its Get Genuine program, however, customers having trouble installing Windows as they aim to get genuine will get free phone support, Microsoft added.