For those of you who are not aware of this functionality recently introduced in Windows RTM; XP Mode provides a virtual PC version of Windows XP SP3 bundled in Windows 7. For more information on this windows 7 application compatibility functionality look here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/
The idea behind putting a virtual PC in a bundled Windows release is a good one. For many enterprise customers, this option will not be exercised as they will require more functionality offered by Microsoft's App-V or Med-V solutions. So, this option for support XP dependant applications is really targeted at the Small and Mid-Sized businesses.
There are a number of problems/issues surrounding XP Mode for Windows 7 though including; (and not in any particular order)
- Patching Issues (how do you ensure your XP mode version is up to date?)
- Distributing standardized application packages
- Hardware Support (see: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/265948/no-windows-7-xp-mode-for-selected-vaio-owners)
And, now Antivirus vendors are entering they fray:
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/enterprise/351016/microsoft-and-sophos-bicker-over-windows-7-xp-mode
And
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/08/21/win7_xp_compatability_row/
I am waiting to see how the Microsoft partner ecosystem responds to these issues. They should not be complaining - this could be a great opportunity for a new feature to their existing product sets (competitive differentiators) or even new products.
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