You people are just going to have to wake up and realize that XP is dead, by decree of Microsoft and their ability to do so. They are a business and they will do what they feel is best for their bottom line, it's what companies that stay in business DO. The customers they listen to are the large corporations with Enterprise Agreements and OS counts in the tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands, not you. Get used to it.
I was in the same situation and an opportunity came along for me to become an "IT Buyer" within my company. My skills and experience within IT give me a significant edge over IT salespeople. This in turn leads to contracts and IT engagements that are much more beneficial to my organization than if someone without IT experience were in my position.
I am still a geek at heart and can continue to be close to the technology and "IT toys" but from a completely different angle. My largest learning curves have been in understanding some of the legal information within contracts and learning how to negotiate. Although I was initially very uncomfortable, negotiation has become my favorite thing to do. There is a certain rush when you have been able to use technical and business skills to talk down a vendor from unreasonable prices and save the company tons of money.
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You people are just going to have to wake up and realize that XP is dead, by decree of Microsoft and their ability to do so. They are a business and they will do what they feel is best for their bottom line, it's what companies that stay in business DO. The customers they listen to are the large corporations with Enterprise Agreements and OS counts in the tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands, not you. Get used to it.
I was in the same situation and an opportunity came along for me to become an "IT Buyer" within my company. My skills and experience within IT give me a significant edge over IT salespeople. This in turn leads to contracts and IT engagements that are much more beneficial to my organization than if someone without IT experience were in my position. I am still a geek at heart and can continue to be close to the technology and "IT toys" but from a completely different angle. My largest learning curves have been in understanding some of the legal information within contracts and learning how to negotiate. Although I was initially very uncomfortable, negotiation has become my favorite thing to do. There is a certain rush when you have been able to use technical and business skills to talk down a vendor from unreasonable prices and save the company tons of money.