When Microsoft introduced its latest operating system, Windows XP , late last year, the primary focus seemed to be on the consumer market. Ads filled with a peppy Madonna song and lovely blue skies were meant to get home users thinking XP. Missing from the airwaves was the equivalent for a business audience; no three-piece suited execs drifting through the clouds, looking for a better OS. But even without the strains of the Material Girl, some companies did decide to upgrade to the business version, Windows XP Professional. And though the business upgrade rate is not as brisk as Microsoft might wish, some analysts believe it is just a matter of time before XP Pro becomes the standard.

Greg Sullivan, Microsoft's lead Windows XP product manager, told NewsFactor that XP's overall adoption rate is higher than for any other Windows product. "Windows XP continues to be the fastest-selling version of Windows in history, with over 46 million copies sold through OEMs and retail outlets since its launch last October," Sullivan said. That number includes both home and corporate users; Microsoft has declined to release a breakdown of home version versus professional version sales.