Important Notice: Continued Use of Windows XP for Shipboard PCs
Dear Customers,
We hope this message finds you well.
We would like to inform you that we will continue to use Windows XP as the operating system for shipboard PCs, instead of Windows 7, for various reasons. Initially, this was a temporary measure until certain issues were resolved. However, with Microsoft extending the downgrade rights for Windows XP, we are able to continue this setup beyond 2011.
1. Reasons for Using Windows XP for Shipboard PCs
We refrain from using Windows Vista and Windows 7 for shipboard PCs due to the following reasons:
Some maritime software has compatibility issues with Vista and Windows 7.
Vista and Windows 7 can impact the performance of shipboard satellite communications.
To prevent confusion among crew members due to differences in operating systems, we have standardized on Windows XP for the PCs we provide.
2. Downgrade Rights Extension
Microsoft had initially set a deadline for the downgrade rights to Windows XP. After this deadline, it would not be possible to license new PCs with Windows XP. However, this deadline has now been extended until 2020, allowing us to continue offering Windows XP PCs for shipboard use.
3. Future Use of Shipboard PCs
Given the above reasons, we will continue to standardize Windows XP for shipboard PCs for the foreseeable future. The tentative deadline for this is July 2011, but we plan to extend the use of Windows XP as long as it remains problem-free.
We will continuously monitor the following issues to determine the appropriate time to transition shipboard PCs to Windows 7 or newer operating systems:
Maritime software that only runs on Windows 7
Peripheral devices that require Windows 7
Compatibility or security issues that necessitate the use of Windows 7
We are committed to ensuring the smooth operation of your shipboard IT systems and will continue to strive towards this goal.
Thank you for your continued support.
Best regards,