There’s only a year-and-a-half left until we have to say Good-Bye to Windows XP for good. Are you ready?
For many businesses, upgrades are on the horizon– whether they like it or not. Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows XP (and Office 2003) in 2014.
Why are we bothering to tell you this now? Planning is in order. Many businesses are still running Windows XP. In many cases, other software they use is also outdated and not compatible with Windows 7. Now, they’re faced with upgrading not only Windows and Office, but also their CRM, other expensive applications, and even the physical computers as well.
Upgrading Windows can easily turn into a major network overhaul. Solutions include:
- Just Software Upgrades: Upgrading to Windows 7 and updating all software to Windows 7 compatible versions. May not be possible if using outdated specialty software. Also, not upgrading your hardware is a ticking time bomb. Computers are outdated after 3 years and obsolete after 5. With this option, you will still be dealing with poor performance and looming hardware failures.
- Set up a Virtual Environment: This would allow you to put off upgrading to Windows 7 for longer. The virtual environment can be protected from hackers while still allowing you to run Windows XP after it is no longer supported. This could work as a stop gap if you really can’t afford the upgrade, but it’s not a permanent solution.
- Purchasing New Hardware: New computers are always a good idea. You can only do so much to make a network run smoothly on old equipment. Also, new machines come equipped with Windows 7. Why keep dumping money into machines that you will be forced to replace soon enough? This is the best option and our strongest recommendation.
What can you do? First, ask your consultant about specific applications you’re using that require Windows XP. He will then look into available update options, age and state of your current hardware, and any other contributing factors. Together, we will create a strategic plan so that you can start budgeting for the switch. The cost of a new computer is around $1,000 plus software licenses. Change is never easy, but if you are still using XP, brace yourself, because it’s coming.
So, what if you just stick with Windows XP? Things get bumpy. Here’s how:
- No more new hardware: Only one model of DELL workstation successfully loads Windows XP currently. That model will no longer be available by this time next year.
- No more new software: Software developers and vendors will stop testing their software on Windows XP. Buying new products turns into a crap shoot– Will it work or not? Many vendors report that they will cease testing as early as this year! The following software must be updated at least annually: QuickBooks, PeachTree, Adobe products, Web browsers, Backup software, and most ERP applications.
- No more Windows Updates: Without Microsoft support, no more Windows Updates and Critical Security Patches will be available. As hackers find different ways to attack this aging operating system, we will be left without the tools to stop them.
