ATM Windows XP support has been withdrawn by the software giant, Microsoft. Why? Because the Redmond St. firm needs to focus on creating more technology for newer Operating systems like the Windows 8, 8.1 along with specific apps to go with systems running on the the latest OS. It’s purely about money and it’s time for Microsoft to move forward now that new Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is calling the shots. However, the decision to withdraw XP support was made ahead of his appointment as CEO.

Although developers among others liked XP, it just wasn’t reeling in the dough’.

Microsoft said in a statement, "Microsoft has provided support for Windows XP for the past 12 years. But now the time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources toward supporting more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences."

It continued to say, "As a result, after April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date. (If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to help protect your PC."

ATMs might be the real casualties of the lack of XP support. Banks have not been diligent in upgrading ATMs for the simplicity and familiarity of XP. This is the same rationale used by offices as well.

Reports cite Microsoft as saying ATMs on XP would ‘leave cash vending machines exposed to vulnerabilities’ and there is no guarantee of fixing those bugs. This would also mean deleting user account data and personal financial data from cash vending machines.

"The number of ATMs left on Windows XP are higher than PCs as a percentage. Many more ATMs, probably higher than the 35% computers in banks and financial institutions that are still to be upgraded and these (ATMs) are not included in those 4 million computers," Microsoft India GM (Windows Business) Amrish Goyal said in a an online report.

Source: YouTube