Now that Windows 7 has launched, Microsoft and its supporters are extolling the virtues of the new operating system. They're calling it the best Windows operating system to date. They believe (rightfully so) that it is head and shoulders above Windows Vista.

But is it better than Windows XP?

That's a question that can't be answered so quickly. Thanks to Service Pack 3, XP has been one of the most reliable versions of Windows Microsoft has ever released. And considering Microsoft's track record of failing to provide the most robust experience until Service Pack 1 is released, it's not ridiculous to contend that companies should consider sticking with Microsoft's older operating system for just a little while longer.

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For some companies, sticking with XP until Windows 7's kinks are worked out might be a good option. Here's why:

1. History matters

As much as Microsoft wants us to forget it, Windows has had a spotty past at launch time. Every operating system Microsoft has released in recent memory has featured several bugs, security holes and other issues that have prompted the company to patch the operating system as quickly as possible. There's little doubt that the same will be true for Windows 7—it's part of the process. Waiting until SP1 is offered limits the amount of time companies will need to spend dealing with those issues.

2. Windows XP is free

Another major consideration for companies is the cost of deploying Windows 7. Sure, it's a new operating system, but it also requires new hardware. In other words, the cost of implementing Windows 7 in the enterprise is quite high. And for many companies, spending that much cash on a new operating system is untenable right now.

3. It's the economy, friend

Along those lines, the economy is uncertain. Although some economists are saying a recovery is under way, they almost always hedge their bets by saying that it's fragile, at best. Companies really don't know what the future holds. It could get worse. Spending so much capital on a new operating system might not be the best idea.

4. Productivity

Switching from XP to Windows 7 won't be a smooth transition for most companies. XP is very different. There's no Aero interface. The Windows 7 task bar alone might be enough to confuse employees. The last thing a company wants to do is deal with productivity issues after deploying all-new hardware and software across the network. 

There's a real chance that that would happen if companies brought Windows 7 to employees now. It may be better to wait, let employees get Windows 7 computers at home and then prepare the office for the update.