Windows XP: Time has run out

 

used with permission from HTS

(This updated version of a previous Windows XP article has been revised for past tense now that the end of support date for Windows XP has passed.)

One of the most popular and longest lived Microsoft operating systems that we all know and love, Windows XP, has run its course. On April 8, 2014, Windows XP was officially declared “dead”, with no more extended support, and—more importantly—no more security patches. Hopefully, this news does not come as a surprise, as Microsoft has foretold the fate of XP since its release back in 2001.
Microsoft will no longer support Windows XP and Small Business Server 2003 so it’s time to make the change to ensure you remain on supported versions of Windows and Office.

What does this mean for you?

It means you need to take action. There will be no new security updates, no security hotfixes, no free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates, and most retail outlets (Best Buy, for example) will likely discontinue support for XP as well. Running Windows XP and Office 2003 in your environment may expose your company to potential risks, such as:

• Security and Compliance Risks - Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks. This may result in an officially recognized control failure by an internal or external audit body, leading to suspension of certifications, and/or public notification of the organization’s inability to maintain its systems and customer information.
• Lack of Independent Software Vendor and Hardware Manufacturers support – Over two years ago, Gartner Research predicted that independent software vendors would become increasingly unlikely to support new versions of applications on Windows XP. The bottom line is that software and hardware providers will stop supporting Windows XP as well, meaning your vital business software will no longer run on Windows XP machines and replacement hardware parts will become more difficult to find.

Make migration easy by switching to a modern desktop

In order to stay with your familiar windows platform, your options are to upgrade to Windows 7 or the newest Windows 8 version. This option has an upside well beyond keeping you supported. It offers more flexibility to empower employees to be more productive, while increasing operational efficiency through improved PC security and management. It also enables your organization to take advantage of latest technology trends such as virtualization and the cloud.
Windows 7 and Windows 8 offer:

• Enhanced Security and Compliance Capabilities – protects data and keeps unwanted applications from corporate networks.
• Cost savings – According to a recent IDC study, supporting a Windows XP PC costs about $870 per year, significantly more than the estimated $168 for a PC running on Windows 7.
• Productivity Gains – Provide employees with a single Windows OS that can run on a range of devices and can sync files, applications, and email settings without sacrificing security.

We can help

Emerge will continue to provide support on a very basic level, with no guarantees that we’ll be able to resolve issues. Without being able to reach out to Microsoft for assistance, we may not be able to solve more complex problems.
Don’t take a chance on compromising your business data because your computer system is out of date. We can get you up to speed! If you are ready to make the switch or are interested in more information, please contact us at 859-746-1030