Microsoft Rushes Windows XP Gold

Aug. 24 -- Microsoft is set to hand off the final version of Windows XP to eagerly waiting PC makers today in a ceremony filled with bells, whistles, and possibly helicopters.

The plan is to have representatives from all the major PC manufacturers — Dell, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Gateway — to step off helicopters draped in banners carrying each vendor's logo, vendor sources said. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates will then personally hand the representatives their own copies of the final, or "gold," version of Windows XP.

Computer makers will use the gold version to install Windows XP on new PCs. The new operating system is expected to ship to retail customers on October 25.

The Microsoft PR machine was in overdrive to prepare for the event, which is expected to take place at a soccer field near the company's Redmond, Wash., headquarters. The company would not comment on plans for the event.

Hoopla aside, Microsoft is expected to begin shipping the gold version of the Windows XP operating system code to all PC manufacturers today.

Earlier this week, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said he expected the final version of Windows XP to be finished this week. Speaking at a technology conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Ballmer said he expected XP would be ready today and that production of new systems with the software could start as early as Monday.

Gold Rush

The new operating system could not come soon enough for a technology industry suffering one of the worst slowdowns in history. High-tech industry executives and analysts are looking for Windows XP to help kick-start consumer and corporate spending on PCs and related peripherals.

"Microsoft will deliver the gold on Friday," said Alan Weinberger, chairman and CEO of TechnologyNet, an industry buying consortium. "The quicker they can get Windows XP out, the faster they can help the business and the industry."

Most industry executives and analysts are hopeful that Windows XP will give a boost to the sagging PC industry in the fourth quarter of this year. Corporations are expected to begin upgrading to the new operating system beginning in the first quarter of next year.