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By Joey Gardiner, 25 June 2001 18:01

NEWS Leading members of the UK's user community have given a resounding 'thumbs down' to Microsoft's latest operating system, XP. The operating system - which is due for an autumn release - was a hot topic of conversation on last week's IT Directors' Forum, and from silicon.com's investigations it seems few companies will be opting for an early roll-out. Indeed, of the IT bosses interviewed during the Forum - which is run annually on board P&O's flagship cruiser the Aurora - not one could name a valid business benefit for an upgrade from Windows 2000. However, many are worried they will not have a choice but to move over, given the dearth of credible alternatives. Steve Jones, head of IT for the National Gallery, spoke for many when he said: "For us it's a change too far too soon. We're about to go to Windows 2000, and XP is something we don't need or want." He added: "It's too expensive, and we've already spent some time getting to know Windows 2000. We know the issues and we've got our apps running well. I guess at some stage we'll have to [move over], but we'll try and put that off as long as we can." He also voiced concerns about Microsoft's plans for a new licensing model for XP, which will mean companies will be encouraged to rent licences, having to re-purchase every three years. This fear was echoed by Brendan Major, head of information services for the NSPCC, who said the new model will make XP too costly: "If the current [proposed] licensing model goes through then yes, this will be too expensive. I view it as a precursor to the .NET strategy and an ASP service, which has more to do with Microsoft trying to combat piracy than it has to do with offering functionality to users." Other IT directors who are worried about XP include those from Ford, the Ministry of Defence and Tetley. Martha Bennett, VP at analyst house Giga Information Group, also sensed the mood of users: "There is a very strong sense that the troops are revolting, people are saying they've had enough of the endless upgrade cycle and the expense that's involved with it." Microsoft refuted the allegations. David Weeks, Windows XP marketing manager, said the company isn't forcing customers into pointless upgrades: "We're not forcing anybody into changing from Windows 2000. If you're currently running Windows 2000, we're not recommending you upgrade." Last month silicon.com spoke to Microsoft's UK MD who claimed that users were 80 per cent in favour of the new licencing agreements.