23 Million US Small-to-Medium Businesses (SMBs) Sitting on a Time Bomb
San Diego, California (PRWEB) October 04, 2013 -- From April 8, 2014, support will end for Windows XP and Office 2003. There will be no new security updates, no hotfixes, no free or paid assisted support options and no online technical content updates. While it may be tempting to think, “It works so why should I worry?,” there could be some severe consequences for anyone who doesn’t upgrade.
Microsoft confirms that running Windows XP and Office 2003 after their end of support date may expose organizations to potential risks. Running unsupported and unpatched computer systems can result in the loss or exposure of data, including personal information. And any companies that are subject to regulatory compliance, such as FINRA and HIPAA, are likely to find themselves out of compliance.
Organizations currently running Windows XP or Office 2003 that are planning to take advantage of the productivity and performance benefits of Microsoft Office 365 will need to upgrade before they can move to the Cloud. Neither Windows XP nor Office 2003 are compatible.
If you think this just scare-mongering by Microsoft to try and get more sales, think again. Agile IT’s CEO and security expert, John Gilham, says, “The word on the street is that a number of hacker groups are already working together to find exploits to take advantage of possible vulnerabilities in [Windows] XP and Office 2003, and with the sheriff out of town, there’ll be no one to stop them.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom. San Diego-based Agile IT is poised to step in and restore order. As a Microsoft Cloud Partner of the Year two years running, and top-tier member of the SMB Champions Club, Agile IT has a number of resources – and offers – at their disposal to help companies upgrade to a secure environment. “We know licensing can be confusing,” Gilham said, “But our Licensing Specialists can help companies upgrade to the latest versions of Windows, Office 365 or Office 2013 in the most cost-effective way.”
If you’re still running Windows XP or Office 2003, call Agile IT’s Licensing Specialists today at (855) AgileIT to defuse the time bomb you’re sitting on.
Mike Palmer, Agile IT, http://www.AgileIT.com/Press, +1 (619) 292-0800 707, [email protected]
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