TechPRess_MediaAlert

Media Alert: Microsoft Changes Official Name for “Vista” to "Windows XP Service Pack 3" and Sets Date for First Beta Targeted at Developers and IT Professionals

Company announces new name of its next-generation Windows client operating system.

REDMOND, Wash., April 1, 2006 —Today Microsoft Corp. announced a new name for its next-generation Windows® client operating system, formerly named “Vista," to "Windows XP Service Pack 3."

'Being a 10+ year vet I feel ashamed and sad. This company is a mess on so many levels'," comments a now former employee.

Microsoft Corp. hopes changing the name from Vista to Windows XP Service Pack 3 will turn down consumer expectation. The company cited a lack of a new revolutionary features, code base, and overall progress. The company admitted that when compared to pace of innovation of other operating systems, free and commercial, Vista would appear playing "catch up."

"'Vista - I wouldn't buy it with someone else's money. Then again what do I know, I've only been testing the dog for the last 2-3 yrs'," commented yet another now former employee.

Microsoft Corp. also announced a new projected date for the eventual release of Vista.

"We hope to have in our consumer hands by 2010, a truly revolutionary operating system worthy of the name Vista."

Meanwhile, Windows XP Service Pack 3 will bring long awaited updates to the Windows Operating system including a full set of new application icons. The company admitted that some of the icons currently shipping in Windows XP were carried over from Windows 95.

"We didn't have enough time or money to higher new graphic artists. We did the best we could with MS Paint PRO."

The beta test for developers and IT professionals of Windows XP Service pack 3 will begin in the second half of 2007, allowing just days for input to be received and processed if at all.

"We are confident that Windows XP Service Pack 3 will rid Windows XP of all Windows 95 era icons, and that the icons will function beyond consumer expectation."

At this time, the company has no other plans for Windows XP Service Pack 3 citing "too much time."

"2007 is a whole year away. Our current priority is embedding the Microsoft Office Paper clip assistant at all levels of the operating system- from checking email to watching special MPG files."

About Microsoft

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, press only: Rapid Response Team, Wagener Edstron, (501) 443-6070,rrt3@wagged.com.