A new white paper published from Microsoft says that skipping Windows Vista and moving to Windows 7 could be dangerous for businesses. Windows 7, the latest OS from MS, is set to release in 2010. Microsoft VP Mike Nash warned the organisations who are still using XP will be having outdated applications by the time they move to Windows 7.

Bypassing Vista could have implications for security, support, and regulatory compliance and reduce flexibility in the face of changing business requirements. By not deploying Windows Vista, it means missing out on the proven benefits such as better security, productivity, search, mobility, manageability and infrastructure optimization.

Customers who are still using Windows XP when Windows 7 releases will have a similar application compatibility experience moving to Windows 7 as exists moving to Windows Vista from Windows XP.

Microsoft had earlier announced that Windows XP will no longer be available for purchase after 30th June. A recent survey showed that XP still remains the most preferred operating system for both home and business users. XP still commands a sixty percent market share while Vista has only a meagre fifteen percent. Windows Vista was released on January 1,2007. Many users are worried about Vista's resource requirements and compatibility with older applications and peripherals. Last month, Microsoft reported a 24 percent dip in its Windows license sales.