Beta Testers to Receive XP in December
BetaNews | at | by Mike
While Windows XP has enjoyed retail sales slightly under that of Windows 98, beta testers who contributed to the overall success of the product have yet to receive their own complimentary copies. Communication ceased following XP's release to manufacturing when the closure of newsgroup discussion boards left testers in the dark. BetaNews was told that Windows XP test sites will be notified of the delay, and given an approximate ship date - although testers have indicated that no such announcement has been made to date.
According to Microsoft, sales are exceeding the initial sales of Windows 95 and Windows Millennium Edition. NPD Intelect reported that retailers surveyed during the first week of sales did not expect to see a recurrence of Windows 98's success. At the Windows XP launch event, Microsoft's Jim Allchin indicated that this success was due in part to the company's pool of beta testers while thanking them for their hard work.