Intel sticking to XP

Intel has said it will not be deploying Windows Vista, according to reports.

In another significant blow to Microsoft's operating system's prestige, an Intel insider told the New York Times that the company's IT staff "just found no compelling case for adopting Vista."

An official Intel spokesman told the newspaper that Vista was being deployed in pockets of the company, but not across the board.

The revelation will come as a huge embarrassment to Microsoft, which was once so close to Intel that the pair we described as 'Wintel'.

A Forrester Research report earlier this year said many businesses were unsure whether to upgrade to Vista or wait for Windows 7. It now appears that Intel has joined the ranks of the refuseniks, further undermining confidence in Vista at the very moment that Microsoft is attempting to force IT managers' hands by cutting off the supply of Windows XP.

Microsoft continues to insist that Vista sales are healthy.

Barry Collins

Barry Collins is an experienced IT journalist who specialises in Windows, Mac, broadband and more. He's a former editor of PC Pro magazine, and has contributed to many national newspapers, magazines and websites in a career that has spanned over 20 years. You may have seen Barry as a tech pundit on television and radio, including BBC Newsnight, the Chris Evans Show and ITN News at Ten.