Support for Windows XP and Office 2003 is coming to an end!
What does this mean to your business?
It means you should take action!
After April 8, 2014, there will be no new security updates, security hotfixes, assisted support options or online technical content updates from Microsoft for Windows XP or Office 2003.
Running Windows XP and Office 2003 in your office after their end of support date may expose your company to potential risks, such as:
- Security & Compliance Risks: Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks. Even with up to date anti-virus software your system will be significantly compromised when Microsoft no longer provides patches, updates and fixes for security vulnerabilities. Cyber criminals and fraudsters will use Windows XP and Office 2003 computers as a “back door” into not just those computers but the entire network.
- Lack of Hardware support: Most PC hardware manufacturers will stop providing driver software for things like printers, scanners and other devices running on Windows XP. Meaning new printers or network devices possibly even including internet connection providing hardware won’t work on those computers.
- Lack of Software support: Most PC software vendors will stop providing new versions of applications for Windows XP shortly after the April deadline. Meaning you can’t install your accounting or line of business applications new versions on those computers.
How can I be sure which versions I have?
We’ve written a short blog post here to help determine which version you have. Of course we’d be happy to help you take a look, give us a call at the office or email us for written direction to check your current Windows and Office versions.
What needs to be done?
We want to give you options, so we first need to determine if your current windows XP computer(s) can support software updates to Windows 7 or 8, after this has been assessed there are two options:
1. If your computer is newer and can support the update we need to Purchase and Install Windows 7 or 8 for all the outdated computers in the office.
2. If your computes is older or slow and cannot supported the update we need to replace the system with one that will support Windows 7 or 8 before the expiry date.
This assessment to determine your update options is being provided at no cost or obligation. In cases of small networks (under 5 computers) we can complete the assessment remotely by phone in about an hour. For larger networks we’ll come on site and complete the assessment again, at no charge.
What’ll it cost me?
To help clients with this migration Outhouse IT is offering a 15% discount off labour rates for all our customers that are able to have this migration done before the end of February 2014.
For customers on our Managed IT Services Flat-Fee plans, this migration will be included at no cost as part of your monthly flat-fee.
(Not already taking advantage of our flat-fee IT Management? Find Out how you can have your migration covered!)
Why Outhouse IT?
At Outhouse IT we’re Microsoft Small Business Specialists and we can provide either the Windows 7 or 8 software licenses and or the new hardware equipment to make this a smooth migration for you.
Please call or email us to set up an appointment to review your systems for migration preparation.
