Hi…thank you for the feedback. I’d like to inform you that currently, there is no plan to develop compatible version of Windows SteadyState for Windows 7.

This creates an upgrade dilemma for many public institutions: Stay with Windows XP for now (extended support for XP SP3 lasts until April 2014) and continue to use Steady State, or upgrade to Windows 7 and invest considerable extra expense on implementing some semblance of WSS functionality using Group Policy and third party software? It’s a no-brainer to me.

Consider this: A study conducted by University of Washington Information School, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, reports “Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older–-roughly 77 million people–-used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year….  In 2009, as the nation struggled through a recession, people relied on library technology to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about critical medical treatments, and connect with their communities.”

What are you thinking, Microsoft? Do you listen to your users? I have similar sentiments to these forum posters:

“Seems Microsoft has made another blunder with windows 7, we have decided to stay with XP and notify users that until Microsoft updates WSS to run with windows 7 that we will stay with xp and advise them to do the same, we have withdrawn all support for 7 and are advising people to downgrade if they are stuck with 7,  Its simply not viable, especially in this economy to spend the extra tens of thousands of dollars on the extra staff that would be needed to support a OS that we have came to the conclusion that even Microsoft [isn't] prepared to support fully.”

“Shame on MS for dumping such an essential OS feature for many IT environments. We have halted the upgrade to WIN 7 of around 12000+ PC  and will stay with XP until MS provides something equivalent to WSS in any upcoming OS.”

I don’t know what Microsoft charges for a Win 7 volume license for 12,000 PCs (can I get some help on that from someone?), but I’m sure it’s a significant amount.

Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. But who am I to argue? I’m just a guy who will help save people money for the next four years–or until Microsoft figures this out.