NEC computers has decided to throw its business customers a Windows XP lifeline by punting a new solution for its desktop and notebook ranges that will allow IT administrators to downgrade from Vista.

The firm said that it has launched NEC FlexLoad to address demands from customers who are reluctant to adopt Microsoft's latest operating system.

Windows Vista Business users running the OS on OEM manufactured NEC Versa notebooks and Powermate desktops will be given a two-DVD kit containing the free roll back to XP.

The NEC spokesman added that it was also possible for companies to return to Vista under Microsoft's normal licensing policy at a later date if they wished to do so.

However, he said that it wasn't unusual for firms to skip one generation of an OS given the potential headaches involved with overhauling software, networking and kit.

Redmond plans to shelve its support of XP in June 2008, by which time it should have pumped out Vista service pack one (SP1) to the masses. But NEC will continue to supply the XP reversal tool for anyone wanting to use it.

"I think some customers are going to wait and sit out Vista completely," said the spokesman.

We asked Microsoft for its view on NEC's decision to go back to the future with the software giant's platforms, but the firm was unavailable for comment at time of writing. ®

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