The concept of "downgrading"--an idea that shot to fame due to the sheer unpopularity of Windows Vista--will be expanded instead by Microsoft. The Redmond-based company has confirmed on Monday that PC makers will not only be able to ship machines pre-downgraded to Windows XP based on customer demand, but will be able to do so ahead of time in order to meet projected demands.

In the same token, a similar program will also exist for the yet-to-be-launched Windows 7, though details are not available at this point. The abilities of businesses to upgrade from Vista and XP to upgrade to Windows 7 will be capped at just 25 machines per premises; companies will need Software Assurance maintenance contracts beyond this figure.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at CNET
- check out this article at Network World

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