The end is nigh! (For Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003)
As you’re probably aware, Microsoft’s ten year support period is coming to an end for Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003, with the 8th of April marking the official conclusion of this service. Although this date may seem comfortably distant, take note: Microsoft recommends that the migration to Windows 7 or Windows 8 should have already begun. However, all is not lost if your business is still running XP; there is still time to successfully deploy the new OS without experiencing a lapse in support, as long as the process is started soon.
What if I don’t?
Although these products will continue to run unsupported, companies who hesitate in this transition will be exposed to security risks and an increasing lack of software and hardware support. Security risks pose a serious threat to your company’s integrity in that an information control failure has the potential to generate bad publicity, damage your credibility, and lead to the removal or suspension of official certifications. Upgrading your OS before the end of support will ensure that your company is not exposed to these risks.
It’s not just about staying safe
Upgrading isn’t only about avoiding the risks associated with running Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 unsupported. Of course there are the general benefits we expect from a newer OS- including a faster start-up and better security- but this is also an opportunity to start working in the most current environment; to maximize productivity through harnessing the best tools available. As most new PC’s will not support XP, software manufactures will stop creating new application versions supported by XP, and so-on and so-forth, until XP becomes just another OS of the past. As a result, staying with XP will not only impede your company’s access to hardware/software developments, it will also hinder your team’s ability to use new products to their fullest potential.
Windows 7 and especially 8 were created with the latest technological trends in mind, and as the device landscape of the modern office transforms, these new systems are able to support the developments we are seeing in end user computing. More and more businesses are harnessing device and platform diversity, bring your own tech policies and work from home flexibility. Even small companies can benefit from the opportunities these systems offer in enabling users to remotely access corporate services on personal/ mobile devices through virtual desktop infrastructure and image layering.
And if these benefits seem a bit irrelevant to your business’ IT requirements, rest assured that there are also simple, user oriented benefits in making the switch. The modernized desktop of Windows 7 with its large taskbar and ‘Aero’ window management codes give you and your employees access to a more flexible workspace, allowing you to quickly find the window you want to work with, and maintain organization whilst working over multiple programs. Windows 8 offers further flexibility with its revolutionary start page and app based view. Microsoft’s newest OS boasts access to thousands of custom apps, complete compatibility with both keyboard/ mouse hardware and newer touch screen devices, and enhanced access to The Cloud.
Our team can help you decide which OS is more suitable for your business’ needs, and which hardware options can help maximize your productivity using these new platforms.
Let us help you get on board with the modern PC
As a certified Microsoft partner we can help your company manage the transition from Windows XP to Windows 7 or 8, minimizing the potential risks of migration such as end-user downtime, data loss and failure. If your company’s current hardware meets the requirements of the new OS, we can help with the software installation and supporting the migration of your office content. Alternatively, if your hardware is now outdated we can tailor and manage the full transition of your office onto the modern PC based on your specific business needs. Get in contact with us today and let us help you discover how!