In fact, Microsoft has extended its mainstream support of the server OS -- previously set to expire on July 9th, 2013 -- through January 15th, 2015.

ENGADGET: Microsoft extends free Windows Server 2008 support through January 15th, 2015

Anyways, if you're one of those recent victims of the Fall 2006 firmware update for the Xbox 360 and had your console bricked, you might be glad to learn that Microsoft has extended its standard 90 day warranty to a full year, and the new warranty applies retroactively.

ENGADGET: Microsoft extends Xbox 360 warranty to one year, covering most "bricked" consoles

On search, Microsoft and Yahoo extended its promise to guarantee revenue per search through early 2013.

FORBES: LIVE: Yahoo Q3 Earnings Top Estimates, Stock Up After-Hours

The company will continue to deliver free security fixes for the operating system beyond this cutoff date, however maintenance updates will require the purchase of extended support from Microsoft.

ENGADGET: Microsoft extends free Windows Server 2008 support through January 15th, 2015

Evidence of this phenomenon is how support for Windows XP, which Microsoft really wanted to cut, has been extended again and again.

FORBES: The PC Industry Is Digging Its Own Grave

In 2005 Microsoft figured out how to tap into the revenue stream of extended warranties for software.

FORBES: Microsoft Software Assurance: Insurance? Or Extortion?

Dell's existing service business is at the low end, little more than extended-warranty tune-ups and installing such off-the-rack systems as Microsoft's Outlook Express e-mail software.

FORBES: Magazine Article