April 8, 2014 marks the end of services for Windows XP. Many business owners are shocked to learn that this means Microsoft is abandoning all patches and updates. Have you made the change?
After a 12 year run with devoted users around the world, we are all sad to see XP go. This operating system is said to be Microsoft’s most successful creation, but they are finally letting go of all support for Windows XP. Unfortunately, this will leave those who refuse to upgrade to a new operating system extremely vulnerable to security breaches.
XP’s luck just ran out!Most business owners large and small are up against the wall with this transition. Some say, the change to a new operating system will force them to change the software they rely on and others can’t decide if Windows 7 is really the best choice since support for this operating system may have a short life of just six more years. These risks are just a few of the top concerns companies are considering.
Compatibility struggles.Many business owners have waited to make the change to Windows 7 or 8 because the software or applications they use are not supported with these newer operating systems. Unfortunately, this dilemma is very real with the hard stop date of April 8th looming over us. However, there are many solutions that offer more security, features and support. You just have to know where to look.
Red flags for certified professionals too.Do you hold a specific certification or license for your business? If so, using XP may be a breach of your agreement warranting suspension of your achievements. When Microsoft pulls the plug on XP, there will be no patches or updates to support new issues that arise. Even security software vendors will stop pushing out updates and support for XP very soon paving the way for hackers to target die hard fans that try to survive on this outdated platform.
What can you do to ensure your company data is safe?Take the plunge. Make the change. That’s right, there really are no better options at this juncture. Giving Microsoft the stare down just won’t cut it when it comes to protecting your company’s most valued asset, your data.
3 Steps to upgrade your operating systems.It may seem like a tremendous task and it is. So, take a few moments learn about the 3 essential steps to consider when making the change.
1.Audit all your equipment.Audit all of your current systems and compile a list of reliant components.A full audit will help you identify the number of software programs, workstations and even servers currently using XP. Develop a plan for implementation with a complete list of trouble areas and a swift course of action to put your new operating system in play.
2.Plan the transition as soon as possible.While custom extended support options may be available through Microsoft, this is a costly band aid for a serious condition and may not cover all of your concerns. Protect your organization from attacks, security breaches, and data loss with a proactive solution to implement a new operating system as soon as possible.
3.Implement the new solution and train your staff.New technology always brings a learning curve. Include training options in your implementation plan so your staff can dive right in to the new systems. Both Windows 7 and 8 are packed with new features and enhancements that can ultimately increase productivity for your entire organization. Look online at training videos and materials at http://windows.microsoft.com.
Need help auditing your systems?Take advantage of our Network Health Audit in which we will inspect every computer, server, and device your company uses to pinpoint security trends and risks that could threaten the longevity of your organization. You will receive a full account of your current operations along with our recommendations for the future.
We will work with you to review your
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