While Microsoft Releases Windows 8.1 to Manufacturers, XP use still hangs on
Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) August 29, 2013 -- Several news sources have started reporting that Microsoft has released Windows 8.1 to Manufacturers. On August 1st, PCWorld ran an article that stated that "Windows XP saw a 0.02 percent bump in market share". Along with Office 2003, Microsoft is discontinuing support for these products by placing them in END OF LIFE (EOL) status on April 8th 2014. EOL status means there will be no more published security updates, automatic fixes, or online technical assistance. While many consumers may not think that this matters, business users have many concerns:
-Exposure to non-compliance on legal and contractual obligations such as HIPAA and the PCI/Credit Card security rule.
-Files may be incompatible or not tested with newer versions of Windows or Office.
Microsoft has been planning the phasing out of Windows XP’s support for some time now (Windows XP’s end of mainstream support ended on April 14 of 2009, it currently is in “Extended Support”). There are many companies that offer migration services that will assist companies that haven’t made the switch to a modern OS (Windows 7 or Windows 8), but time is running out.
“While this is still months away, the implications prompt consideration for businesses to act as soon as possible if they haven’t already” said Harlan Podber, President of LAN System Services Inc. a company that offers IT and Computer Services to companies in the metro Atlanta area.
With compliance concerns looming, the cost of a rollout to the latest Microsoft software should be the least of a company’s worries.
“There are many financing and leasing options that we are offering to customers to help small & medium businesses that are still using Windows XP,” said Podber.
We will have to see if companies start moving forward in the coming months. Time is running out.
Harlan Podber, LAN System Services Inc., http://www.lansystem.com, 770.925.0955, [email protected]
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