On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will end its support for Windows XP. This FAQ will explain to businesses that have computers still running Windows XP the purpose of the deadline; what they can expect to happen after the deadline; and how they can overcome a restrictive budget and/or compatibility issues to upgrade to a newer version of Windows.
Why Now?
There’s no financial incentive for Microsoft to continue providing free support for Windows XP. Over three years have elapsed since the last time a new computer was packaged with the operating system. In addition, most customers should be satisfied with receiving 12 years of free support for a single product—at the very least, they won’t be so upset with Microsoft as to drop Windows as their primary operating system.
Another reason for Microsoft to end support for Windows XP is to nudge more people towards its Windows 8 operating system.
What does it mean exactly that Microsoft is ending its support for Windows XP?
Starting on April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates or technical support to users of Windows XP. It might not seem like the end of the world to be deprived of security patches and customer support; however, without security updates Windows XP computers (even those protected by firewalls and antivirus software) will be essentially defenseless against malware and hacking attempts; and Windows XP and the computers running it are so old and error- and crash-prone that they require frequent IT support.
What are my options?
The simplest thing for a business to do would be to replace their Windows XP computers with a bunch of new computers running Windows 7 or 8. However, any company that could afford such a substantial, upfront capital investment probably would have made these purchases by now instead of waiting until five months before the deadline. To find a way to switch to a newer version of Windows without going over budget, the first step is to contact an outsourced IT Orange County provider. An outsourced IT Orange County provider may be able to draw on its partnerships with computer manufacturers and vendors and let its clients in on deals on new and refurbished Windows computers.
Businesses can also upgrade to newer versions of Windows by signing up for hosted virtual desktops from an outsourced IT Orange County provider. Hosted virtual desktops are web-based IT solutions that appear and perform the same as Windows desktop operating systems (businesses can choose hosted desktops modeled upon either Windows 7 or Windows 8). Importantly, they don’t require the purchase of any new computers, since the servers of the outsourced IT Orange County provider handle all of their processing and storage requirements. Hosted virtual desktops make it possible to use a decade-old computer to run a version of Windows 8 that’s just as fast and responsive as one installed on a new, high-end PC.
What if my applications aren’t compatible with a newer version of Windows?
Businesses with compatibility issues should contact an outsourced IT Orange County provider to virtualize their Windows XP applications or to sign up for hosted Windows XP applications. Both of these services make it possible to access Windows XP applications from newer versions of Windows. They also both effectively keep Windows XP applications—and their dire security vulnerabilities—separated from the rest of a company’s IT infrastructure.
What if I still don’t want to upgrade to a newer version of Windows?
There’s actually a way to continue getting security updates and technical support from Microsoft for Windows XP, but it costs at least $500,000 per year. Alternatively, businesses can sign up for IT security services and technical support from an outsourced IT Orange County provider or a computer repair company to try to compensate for Microsoft ending its support for the operating system.
Contact an outsourced IT Orange County provider if you have any further questions or concerns about the Windows XP deadline.
